India

New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) There are 21 “fake universities” operating in the country and the respective state governments are taking action against them, the Parliament was informed on Monday.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in a reply in Lok Sabha that the list of fake universities is available on the website of the University Grants Commission (UGC) at https://www.ugc.gov.in/universitydetails/Fakeuniversity.

Out of these 21 “fake universities”, a maximum of eight are functioning in Delhi, according to the website.

The Minister said that to prevent these institutions from defrauding and cheating students by misrepresenting themselves as "Universities," the Central government has requested Chief Secretaries of all the states and Union Territories to take legal action for the closure of these institutions.

In a reply to questions from Sudheer Gupta and Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane, the Minister said that apart from issuing public notices for general awareness through social media and UGC website for cautioning the general public, students, parents and other stakeholders, other steps have also been taken by the UGC/government against such “fake Universities.”

He said that FIRs have been lodged against several self-styled institutions/universities and show cause notices/warning notices have also been issued to the unauthorised institutes awarding invalid degrees.

In response to another question, Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar told the Lok Sabha that there has been an overall increase of Rs 2875.29 crore in the budget allocation to the Department of Higher Education in 2024-25 as compared to 2023-24.

The Department’s total budget in 2024-25 was Rs 47,619.77 crore as compared to Rs 44,744.48 crore in 2023-24, MoS Majumdar said in reply to a question from Dushyant Singh.

In response to a question on public expenditure on institutions of higher education in Rajasthan, the MoS said that a total of Rs 556.86 crore has been released in FY 2024-25 till November 30, 2024, to three Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions in Rajasthan, namely IIT Jodhpur, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur and Central University of Rajasthan.

Further, Rs 535.99 crore was provided for setting up IIM Udaipur and IIIT Kota in Rajasthan, the MoS said.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Dec 16 (IANS) The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Legislative Party has sought permission of Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad to approve a privilege motion against Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka for presenting misleading data on Telangana’s debt.

The BRS leaders accused the government of inflating debt figures to Rs 7 lakh crore, contrary to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) report citing the debt as ₹3.89 lakh crore.

"The Finance Minister’s statements misled the Assembly and people of Telangana," BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao said, citing the RBI Handbook of Statistics on Indian States.

The BRS demanded that the government present accurate debt figures in the Assembly or allow the Privilege Motion for debate. KTR, as Rama Rao is popularly known, highlighted past precedence when a similar motion was permitted under Speaker Manohar against then Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, emphasising the need to uphold legislative traditions.

The BRS also strongly criticized the government for prioritising tourism discussions in the Assembly while ignoring pressing issues like the Lagacherla farmers’ imprisonment. KTR called for an immediate debate on the incident, stressing its significance, especially as it occurred in the Speaker’s home district, Vikarabad.

KTR took a sarcastic dig at the government, coining the terms "Delhi Tourism" and "Jail Tourism". He accused the administration of prioritising frequent trips to Delhi and unjustly jailing dissenters, including Lagacherla farmers, social media activists, and opposition leaders.

Raising concerns over unpaid dues to sarpanches, the BRS pointed out the government’s selective fund allocation favouring large contractors. KTR urged the Speaker to intervene and address these financial hardships faced by local representatives.

The BRS leader expressed outrage over new restrictions preventing former MLAs from entering the Assembly premises. He contrasted this with the openness during the BRS regime, where ex-legislators had free access to Ministers and the Chief Minister.

“Symbols of protest like nooses, dried crops, and lanterns were once permitted in the Assembly. Now, even placards are being restricted,” KTR remarked, accusing the government of silencing opposition voices.

KTR criticised Vikramarka for announcing financial aid for tenant farmers outside the Assembly, bypassing legislative norms. "Such announcements should be made within the Assembly, where questions can be raised," he said.

Bhatti's announcement that Rs 12,000 financial assistance would be provided to agricultural labourers was termed as a violation of Assembly procedures. It was pointed out that policy decisions should be announced only in the Assembly when it is in session, and Vikramarka seemed to have forgotten this principle. It was also informed that this matter was brought to the attention of the Speaker.

Questioning the credibility of the government’s welfare promises, KTR stated: "The public no longer trusts Sankranti schemes or votes in the name of deities. The government has failed to deliver on its commitments."

--IANS

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Chennai, Dec 16 (IANS) The Madras High Court has strongly criticised the Tamil Nadu government for its slow action in addressing corruption charges and misappropriation cases involving state government employees.

A division bench comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and M. Jothiraman remarked on Monday that despite numerous complaints, even basic services were not being provided to the public without the involvement of corruption.

The court highlighted widespread complaints of corruption across state government departments, including uniformed services.

The bench directed the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary to respond by January 6, 2025, detailing the government’s stance and actions against these allegations.

Justice Subramaniam observed: “It is painful to note that poor people have to shell out thousands of rupees as bribe money just to obtain nativity certificates, patta, and other essential documents. When government employees receive their salaries and allowances on time, why should the poor suffer?”

The court further questioned whether the state government was effectively monitoring and controlling the actions of uniformed personnel. It sought clarity on whether appropriate action was being taken against police and prison department officials for lapses, dereliction of duty, and abuse of power.

These observations were made during the hearing of a writ petition that alleged prisoners had not been paid wages for several months.

The petitioner’s counsel, M. Radhakrishnan and P. Pugalenthi brought to the court’s attention multiple corrupt practices allegedly occurring in the prison department.

Responding to the court’s queries, Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) R. Muniyapparaj informed that the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) had registered a First Information Report (FIR) on December 12, 2024, regarding the misappropriation of Rs. 1.63 crore by officials at Madurai Central Prison between 2019 and 2021.

The APP stated that the FIR named former Superintendent of Prison M. Urmila (currently serving in Cuddalore), jailor S. Vasanthakannan (now Additional Superintendent in Palayamkottai), Administrative Officer M. Thiyagarajan (currently in Vellore), and eight others.

The APP explained that the delay in registering the FIR was due to difficulties in obtaining necessary information from various government departments.

This response was prompted by the court’s dissatisfaction with the prolonged delay in filing the FIR.

Expressing displeasure over the slow progress of investigations into cases involving the misappropriation of public funds by government servants, the court directed the Home Secretary to address the issue and provide a comprehensive response by January 6, 2025.

--IANS

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Lucknow, Dec 16 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the Winter Session of the Assembly on Monday, accused the Opposition of turning a blind eye to violence against Hindus in Sambhal in the state. Yogi Adityanath stated that 209 Hindus have been killed in communal incidents in Sambhal since 1947.

Yogi Adityanath elaborated on the history of violence in the region, saying, “Riots started in Sambhal from 1947 itself. One person was killed in 1947, six more in 1948. Between 1958 and 1962, several riots took place, and five people were killed in 1976. In 1978, 184 Hindus were burnt alive in mass violence, leading to curfews lasting several months. Riots continued into the 1980s, which claimed more lives -- one in 1980, one in 1982, and four in 1986. Violence persisted in 1990-1992, with five deaths, and in 1996, with two more deaths.”

He accused the Opposition of remaining silent during these incidents.

"Since 1947, 209 Hindus have been killed in Sambhal, but not a single word was spoken for the innocent victims. Those shedding crocodile tears today never stood for justice back then," he said.

Yogi Adityanath also recounted the horrors of the 1978 riots, alleging that a Hindu moneylender who had provided loans to locals was targeted, along with others who had sought refuge in his home.

“They were surrounded, brutally attacked and murdered in the most inhuman ways. Yet, Opposition leaders dare to talk about harmony today,” he said.

Yogi Adityanath also pointed to Uttar Pradesh's improved law and order situation under his government. Citing NCRB data, Yogi Adityanath said, “From 2017 onwards, there has been a 97–99 per cent reduction in communal riots in Uttar Pradesh. There have been no major riots in the state since 2017, unlike during the Samajwadi Party’s tenure from 2012 to 2017, when 815 communal riots occurred, leading to 192 deaths. Between 2007 and 2011, under the BSP's rule, there were 616 communal incidents with 121 deaths.”

He also criticised Opposition parties for attempting to create tension over religious matters, particularly in Sambhal.

Referring to recent developments, he said, “On the court’s instructions, a survey was conducted peacefully in Sambhal on November 19, 21, and 24. However, tensions escalated on November 23, following provocative speeches delivered during Friday prayers. The atmosphere deteriorated after that.”

Responding to Leader of the Opposition, Yogi Adityanath said, “Even historical records like the Baburnama mention the destruction of a Harihar temple to build a structure. The Puranas also state that Sambhal will be the site of the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The survey, being conducted under the court’s direction, will reveal the truth.”

He also talked about the historical and cultural connections of the region, asserting, “Even today, many in Sambhal, including Pathans and Sheikhs, acknowledge that their ancestors were Hindus. This ongoing conflict is between Indian and foreign Muslims, this is a struggle for supremacy, not faith.”

CM Yogi accused the Opposition of trying to mislead the public. “The truth cannot be hidden forever. We have said that a judicial enquiry will be conducted and eventually the truth will come out,” he said.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Dec 16 (IANS) Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu on Monday denied that there was any delay in taking action against veteran actor Mohan Babu in the cases registered against him.

The Commissioner told media persons that the police would obey the orders of the High Court, which has given Mohan Babu tile till December 24 to appear before the police.

Sudheer Babu said if there was no response from Mohan Babu after December 24, they would serve a fresh notice.

Mohan Babu was admitted to a hospital on the night of December 10 with complaints of high blood pressure and anxiety following a clash at his house in Jalpally when his actor son Manchu Manoj broke the gate after he was stopped by the bouncers deployed there.

Rachakonda Commissioner, who is also the Additional District Collector, had summoned Mohan Babu and his sons Manchu Vishnu and Manchu Manoj on December 11 for a hearing with regard to the cases booked against them.

Mohan Babu and his sons were booked under BNS sections 329 (4) (criminal trespass and house trespass) and 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt) r/w 3 (5).

Mohan Babu had approached the High Court seeking exemption from appearing before the Police Commissioner. His two sons separately appeared before the Commissioner, who took an undertaking from them that they would do nothing which precipitated the matter further.

The Commissioner said a total of three cases have been registered with regard to the dispute in the family of Mohan Babu. He revealed that the investigations were on all three cases.

He clarified that the senior veteran actor does not have any gun license under the jurisdiction of the Rachakonda Commissionerate. “We have received information that Mohan Babu has two guns with him. In the notices served to the actor, we have asked Mohan Babu to deposit his two guns with him anywhere,” he said.

The veteran actor, who is also a former Member of Parliament, was booked for an attempt to murder when he grabbed the mike of a TV reporter and attacked him during the ruckus at his house on December 10.

Mohan Babu last week approached Telangana High Court for anticipatory bail in an attempt to murder case. The High Court adjourned to December 19 the hearing on anticipatory bail petition.

The FIR was registered on a complaint by M. Satyanarayana, a reporter for Telangana news channel TV9.

Mohan Babu attacked the TV reporter when the latter had gone to his residence in Jalpally to cover the ongoing dispute between the veteran actor and his actor son Manchu Manoj.

The veteran actor, who apologised to the injured journalist and the TV channel, visited the hospital on Sunday and called on the journalist. He once again apologised to the reporter and his family members.

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--IANS

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