India

Chennai, Jan 18 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has announced that ration cardholders eligible for Pongal gift hampers can claim them until Saturday evening.

The government said that 1.7 crore beneficiaries have already availed themselves of the hampers. To ensure no one is left out, authorities have instructed ration shops to issue tokens to those who have not yet collected their packages.

The gift hampers are part of the government’s annual initiative to celebrate Pongal, one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant festivals, which was observed this year from January 14 over four days.

The hampers, distributed to family cardholders across the state, include free dhotis, sarees, and a monetary gift of Rs1,000.

Additionally, the package contains 21 essential items for the festival, such as rice, sugar, tamarind, and sugarcane, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on families.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the distribution of Pongal gift hampers on January 9 in Chennai. Nearly 2.2 crore family cardholders are expected to benefit from the initiative, with 1.7 crore beneficiaries already receiving their packages, representing 75 per cent of the total.

Families residing in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps have also been included in the distribution. To support this initiative, the state government allocated Rs249.76 crore for the gift hampers and Rs 600 crore for the distribution of free dhotis and sarees.

The sarees and dhotis, produced through state-run cooperative societies, have been distributed to ration cardholders and beneficiaries under the Old Age Pension Scheme.

For the 2025 Pongal festival, the Tamil Nadu government ordered the production of 1.77 crore dhotis and an equal number of sarees. This marked a significant increase from last year’s production of one crore dhotis and 1.24 crore sarees, with an additional 77 lakh dhotis and 53 lakh sarees produced this year.

The Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles, and Khadi Department allocated Rs 100 crore to procure yarn and pay wages to weavers involved in this project.

The production employed 63,000 powerlooms across the state, with cotton yarn used for the 2024-25 cycle. A switch to polyester yarn is planned for the 2025-26 cycle.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting traditional industries and ensuring that families across Tamil Nadu can celebrate Pongal without financial strain.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday distributed property cards under SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) yojana across 10 states and two Union Territories.

The scheme’s pilot project kicked off in April 2020 and was subsequently rolled out on the national level in April 2021. In the past few years, the scheme has met with commendable success and is proving to be instrumental in digitising the land records of the farming community and fellow villagers.

The SVAMITVA yojana is transforming rural India by providing accurate property ownership data and also bringing positive changes in the everyday lives of villagers. It has empowered them with clear land ownership, thereby reducing disputes and enabling better opportunities.

Prior to the SVAMITVA initiative, rural households struggled without formal land documentation, leading to uncertainty and disputes.

In just 3.5 years of operation, the resounding success of the scheme is visible from the fact that it has covered nearly 92 per cent of villages.

According to official estimates, the drone survey under the SVAMITVA scheme was completed in 3.17 lakh villages, till December 2024 while 2.19 crore property cards were issued for nearly 1.49 lakh villages.

Drone survey has been completed in the UTs of Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu, and the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

How SVAMITVA turned ‘disputes into solutions’

Earlier, farmers lacked legal titles for their land, making it difficult to secure loans. After SVAMITVA, villagers’ property ownership was secured, offering millions in rural India a sense of stability and clear title. Now, digital ownership records allow villagers to use their land as collateral, unlocking financial freedom and driving investment in agriculture. This is empowering rural communities towards economic growth.

Earlier, land disputes were a common issue in rural India due to unclear ownership and outdated records. After SVAMITVA, the digital property cards have reduced these disputes, providing clarity and security for landowners.

Earlier, local governments struggled with property tax collection due to a lack of accurate records. After SVAMITVA, the digitisation of land records happened and today, the local authorities can now assess property taxes efficiently, boosting revenue for Gram Panchayats and accelerating rural development.

Earlier, women faced barriers in claiming property rights due to traditional practices. After SVAMITVA, women receive legal property ownership documentation, which empowers them economically and promotes gender equality in rural communities.

Earlier, inaccurate land records slowed down infrastructure planning and development. After SVAMITVA, the drone mapping supplemented with digitisation of land records is laying the foundation for smarter Infrastructure planning in the rural sector.

--IANS

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Patna, Jan 18 (IANS) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Saturday claimed that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav is preparing to sell party tickets ahead of the Assembly elections.

"Lalu Prasad, how is the preparation for selling 243 seats for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections of 2025? How many buyers have you got to buy tickets? Please also tell this to the people of Bihar. You have come out of jail for health benefits, it would have been better if you had paid attention to staying healthy," the Deputy Chief Minister wrote on X.

The sharp attack against the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav comes amidst RJD's ongoing National Executive Committee meeting. RJD’s meeting is focused on strategising for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief, Lalu Prasad Yadav, convened the crucial meeting of the party's National Executive Committee on Saturday at Hotel Maurya in Patna.

Lalu Prasad, as the party's national president, is expected to deliver his "guru mantra" to RJD leaders and workers, providing guidance on how to approach the upcoming electoral battle at the meeting.

Lalu Prasad, despite his age and health challenges, remains a formidable figure in Indian politics. His participation in this high-level meeting signals his intent to play an active role in shaping RJD's electoral strategy.

Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD-U suffered a major jolt when senior JD-U leader and former minister Mangani Lal Mandal joined RJD.

Tejashwi Yadav inducted Mandal into the party in presence of senior leaders like former minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui and party MP Manoj Jha.

Mandal, who was JD-U national vice president, belongs to EBC category and his joining is expected to help RJD make inroads into the EBC votes in the assembly election.

He had joined JD-U in 2019 during the Lok Sabha election. It is being speculated that Mandal will be appointed state RJD president as the incumbent Jagdanand Singh is unwilling to continue on the post due to his advanced age.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) As the fastest-growing large economy, with steady growth projected at 6.7 per cent over the next two fiscal years, India continues to outpace global peers and cement its position as a leader in economic resilience and progress, the government said on Saturday.

The January 2025 edition of the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report projects India's economy to grow at a steady rate of 6.7 per cent in both FY26 and FY27, significantly outpacing global and regional peers.

At a time when global growth is expected to remain at 2.7 per cent in 2025-26, this remarkable performance underscores India’s resilience and its growing significance in shaping the world’s economic trajectory, said Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The GEP report credits this extraordinary momentum to a thriving services sector and a revitalised manufacturing base, driven by transformative government initiatives.

From modernising infrastructure to simplifying taxes, these measures are fuelling domestic growth and positioning India as a cornerstone of global economic stability.

“With its closest competitor, China, decelerating to 4 per cent growth next year, India’s rise is more than just a statistic. It is a powerful story of ambition, innovation, and unmatched potential,” the ministry noted.

Complementing the World Bank report, the latest update from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook (WEO) also reinforces India’s strong economic trajectory.

The IMF forecasts India's growth to remain robust at 6.5 per cent for both 2025 and 2026, aligning with earlier projections from October.

This consistent growth outlook reflects India’s stable economic fundamentals and its ability to maintain momentum despite global uncertainties.

“The continued strength of India’s economic performance, as projected by both the World Bank and IMF, underscores the country’s resilience and highlights the sustained strength of its economic fundamentals, making India a crucial player in the global economic landscape,” the government emphasised.

Growth in India’s services sector is expected to remain robust, while manufacturing activity will strengthen, supported by government efforts to improve logistics infrastructure and streamline tax systems.

Private consumption in India is likely to gain momentum, driven by a stronger labour market, increased access to credit, and lower inflation.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) The Delhi BJP on Saturday launched an offensive against AAP leader Manish Sisodia, seeking details on the terms under which his family took loans totalling Rs 1.5 crore from three acquaintances during the liquor policy controversy.

In a joint press conference, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj raised questions about former Delhi deputy chief minister’s disclosures in election affidavit about educational loans taken by his family for his son’s higher education in Canada.

Sachdeva said, generally, we take education loans from banks, but Sisodia borrows from business friends.

“Manish Sisodia’s election affidavit speaks volumes, indicating that like ordinary people, Sisodia makes fixed deposits in banks, but when he needs a loan he has friends who lend him millions of rupees, even on long-term basis,” he said, questioning the hidden terms under which the Rs 1.54 crore loans were given to the wife of former minister who drafted the controversial liquor policy.

Swaraj stated that Kejriwal and Sisodia talk about transparency in politics, but their election affidavits have brought them under a cloud of suspicion.

“They must explain how Kejriwal’s income is so low, and Sisodia must clarify why he took loans from individuals instead of banks and identify his three lending friends,” she said.

Sisodia’s affidavit mentions that his wife’s outstanding loans for funding their son’s education include Rs 86 lakh from Romesh Chander Mittal, Rs 58 lakh from Guneet Arora and Rs 10 lakh from Deepali.

Sisodia’s election affidavit identifies his son Meer Sisodia as a dependent and gives details of Scotiabank, 392 Bay Street, Toronto, where the AAP leader has opened three separate accounts to park funds for his son’s education. The affidavit also shows foreign exchange assets of about Canadian $3,980 (Rs 2.4 lakh) in the foreign bank.

Leaders in the BJP are now raising questions on the terms on which wife of Sisodia, an accused in the excise policy case out on bail, has taken personal loans of Rs 1.54 crore, considering that he has declared his family’s total assets to be worth only Rs 57 lakh.

Delhi BJP media chief Praveen Shankar Kapoor stated that whether it is Kejriwal or Sisodia, their abnormal income and sources of their loans during 2020-21 to 2023-24 remain suspicious.

“We are not making allegations but seeking clarifications on behalf of the people of Delhi.” he said.

Sachdeva said Kejriwal has not responded to BJP’s queries on why he understated his income in the election affidavit filed with nomination papers for the New Delhi constituency.

The Delhi BJP chief repeated his question to Kejriwal -- How is it possible for your income tax returns over the past decade to show income lower than your basic salary, but in the COVID year when the liquor policy was being made, your income surged 40 times?

--IANS

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Chikkamagaluru, Jan 18 (IANS) A Sub-Inspector (SI) has been booked on the charges of torturing his wife for dowry and exploiting fair-sex complainants who visited the police station seeking justice in Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru district.

Acting on the complaint of SI's wife, the Kalasa Police have launched an investigation.

She accused her husband of torturing her to bring Rs 50 lakh dowry.

The complainant alleged that she was assaulted and abused by the accused's sister too.

The complainant said that her husband targeted women who came to lodge complaints and visited him in connection with passport verification. The accused used to befriend and lure them or force them to entertain him in return for getting their work done.

She also mentioned in the complaint that when her husband was stationed at Kapu police station, he had an affair with a woman belonging to the minority community.

When the family of the minority community woman came to know about the affair, they came to assault the accused and he had to pay Rs 4 lakh to her, police said quoting the complainant.

The Kalasa Police stated that they are verifying the facts of the case and will initiate legal action against the accused if the charges are proven.

Considering the allegations of harassment of the women and their exploitation, the police were gathering information.

Earlier, Karnataka Police arrested the police constable who allegedly raped a minor girl, a rape victim, promising her marriage in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka in 2021. The accused cop was arrested and terminated from the service.

The Kadaba Police had slapped cases for taking advantage of his official position, raping a woman, criminal intimidation, and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 against the accused cop.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 18 (IANS) Reacting to the recent incidents of bank robberies, shootouts, and other serious crimes in the state, Karnataka BJP said on Saturday that the state has become a haven for robbers and also criticised the deteriorating law and order situation, claiming that there is no one to ensure the safety of citizens.

“Karnataka has turned into a robbery hub leaving citizens in constant fear. There is no one to protect the people,” said Karnataka Leader of the Opposition while addressing a press conference in Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

He pointed out recent incidents, including the robbery and murder of an ATM vehicle staffer in Bidar and the Hollywood-style looting of Rs 15 crore from a bank in Mangaluru.

"No one fears the police in Karnataka. These incidents show how little control Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has over the police force and how badly the law-and-order situation in the state has deteriorated," he said.

He also alleged that robbers from other states are entering Karnataka, committing crimes, and fleeing via buses and trains.

"People are left to protect themselves. While the police lack pistols, the robbers are armed with modern weapons," he underlined.

Ashoka also criticised the government for not taking strict action against incidents like love jihad, communal violence, and illegal cattle slaughter.

"The Police Department is involved in a transfer racket, and officers are losing their morale. Despite all this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not even convened a meeting with the Home Department. The government is too preoccupied with internal political conflicts between Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, leaving no interest in governance," he claimed.

He also claimed that Karnataka is turning into another West Bengal, where everyone lives in constant fear. “Thereby discouraging investors,” he said.

Ashoka demanded a white paper on the government’s finances. "Let them release a white paper showing the allocation of funds during former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai led BJP government’s tenure and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tenure. Also, let the Congress government disclose the loans taken during BJP's tenure compared to Congress’ 60 years of rule," he said.

When asked about the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, Ashoka alleged that there is a deliberate attempt to avoid investigation.

"The Lokayukta Police seem uninterested in probing and are preparing to give a clean chit. While the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized middlemen's money, the Lokayukta Police have done nothing. We have therefore demanded a CBI investigation," he said.

Ashoka also criticised the state of Bengaluru's roads and government hospitals.

"Roads are filled with potholes, and there is no guarantee of safety for new mothers in government hospitals. Despite this, the government continues to increase prices. Instead of frequent hikes, they should raise the prices all at once," he concluded.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 18 (IANS) In a decisive move to protect Maharashtra’s cultural and archaeological heritage, Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar on Saturday announced the formation of district-level committees to tackle encroachments on the state’s historic forts.

These committees will focus on removing existing encroachments and preventing future ones, ensuring the preservation of these iconic sites.

Chaired by the district collector, the committees will include key officials such as the Commissioner of Police, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer, District Superintendent of Police, Municipal Commissioner, and other relevant authorities, including representatives from the Archaeology Department, Forest Department, and the Maharashtra Maritime Board.

By January 31, the committees must prepare a detailed fort-wise list of encroachments and submit it to the government. From February 1 to May 31, the removal of encroachments will be carried out in a time-bound manner, with regular progress reports submitted to the government.

After clearing encroachments, the committees will implement measures to prevent future encroachments and ensure the forts' long-term protection.

To maintain accountability and transparency, the committees are mandated to hold monthly review meetings and report progress to the state government.

Maharashtra is home to 47 centrally protected forts, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and 62 state-protected forts, overseen by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. These forts are a vital part of the state’s cultural legacy and require concerted efforts to safeguard their historical significance, structural integrity, and public safety.

Minister Shelar expressed serious concern over reports of encroachments on both protected and unprotected forts, highlighting the threats to their preservation.

“There are significant challenges related to structural integrity, historical value, and law and order at these sites. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, district-level committees will work to address these issues and protect these historic treasures,” Shelar said.

--IANS

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Nagpur, Jan 18 (IANS) The beneficiaries of the SVAMITVA scheme expressed their gratitude to Modi government on Saturday, terming the initiative as a gamechanger for lakhs and crores of villagers across the country. They said the scheme has enabled them with accurate property ownership data, thus making it easier to maintain land records. They also shared their experience of interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

With the distribution of 6.5 million property cards across more than 50,000 villages in 12 states and Union territories, PM Modi’s SVAMITVA scheme is already making a significant impact in rural India. The beneficiaries shared that not only has it reduced land disputes, but it has also helped secure their property rights, opening new avenues for economic growth and development.

Many beneficiaries in Maharashtra's Nagpur district spoke to IANS and shared their heartfelt experiences, particularly emphasizing the positive impact of receiving the property card and also their virtual interaction with PM Modi.

Raushan Patil, a farmer from Mangalpur village explained how the scheme transformed his life:

“I’ve been farming in my village for years. When I got the SVAMITVA card on October 1, 2023, everything changed. With the card in hand, I was able to secure a loan to build my house and improve my farming with better irrigation. My income has increased, and my farming has become more productive. The most significant benefit, though, is that this card serves as solid proof of ownership. Earlier, disputes would arise between brothers over land rights, but now, thanks to the drone survey and clear ownership records, everyone has separate rights to their land. This has completely resolved the conflicts and brought peace to our family.”

Raushan also noted that the SVAMITVA scheme has brought clarity to land ownership and drastically reduced the number of disputes.

“Earlier, there were constant fights over land because the ownership was not clear. Now, with the clear documentation, we have a sense of security and all the disputes have been resolved. This card is a lifesaver, and it’s a huge relief for all of us,” he said.

Chetram Uikey, another beneficiary, highlighted how the scheme helped him secure financial opportunities.

“I had been waiting for something like this for a long time. The SVAMITVA card is a permanent document that proves ownership. Now, I can approach the bank for loans without any issues. Before this, even though we owned land, it was difficult to prove ownership or use the land for financial purposes. But with this card, I can confidently say that my property is mine, and I can use it to improve my life,” he said.

Chetram also shared his satisfaction with the government's support and how the card makes it easier for villagers to access loans and financial schemes: “Now that we have the card, I can apply for loans with ease. The property is now a legal asset, and I believe this will make our village's financial future much brighter. Plus, the Prime Minister’s support for the scheduled caste community is very encouraging, as it will help many who have struggled due to lack of resources in farming.”

He also mentioned his excitement about the opportunity to interact with PM Modi virtually, saying, “It was wonderful to hear directly from the Prime Minister. It would have been even better to connect with him personally, but hearing from him was very inspiring. I believe this scheme will bring lasting change to our village and others like ours.”

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the beneficiaries during the distribution of property cards.

“SVAMITVA is not just about land ownership; it’s about securing your rights, your future, and your financial freedom. The scheme would contribute to the economic growth of rural areas, thereby improving the quality of life for millions of citizens," PM Modi said.

Today, more than 6.5 million property cards were distributed to the property owners in more than 50,000 villages across 230 districts. The program helps rural families claim their rightful land, resolve conflicts, and increase their access to financial support, marking a milestone in India's rural development journey. The SVAMITVA scheme uses advanced drone and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to map and document land ownership.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 18 (IANS) The city of Chennai and its surrounding areas are bracing for heavy traffic congestion as nearly 12 lakh people are expected to return after the Pongal festival.

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Department has urged commuters to start their return journeys in a staggered manner spread across three-four days. Despite these efforts, transport officials have reported a high number of return bookings for government buses on Sunday, which is likely to create significant traffic issues on key routes.

According to Tamil Nadu transport department, between January 10 and 13, 8.73 lakh passengers traveled from Chennai in government buses while 3.75 lakh passengers used private omni buses.

The return rush is expected to peak on Sunday, leading to severe congestion on major routes, particularly on Monday morning.

Key affected stretches include Chengalpattu-Tambaram stretch of GST Road, Uthandi-Thiruvanmiyur section of ECR, Thiruporur-Thiruvanmiyur stretch of OMR, Poonamallee-Maduravoyal section of Bengaluru NH, Thirunindravur-Padi section of Chennai-Tirupati Highway, and Nallur-Madhavaram stretch of Kolkata NH.

To handle the post-Pongal rush, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will open toll gates at Paranur and Athur (on the Tambaram-Tindivanam NH) for unrestricted vehicular movement. Depending on the severity, 7-8 lanes out of 10 may be reversed to accommodate incoming traffic.

R. Mohan, Managing Director of the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), reported that a total of 15,866 buses, including 7,498 special services, were operated from Chennai to various parts of Tamil Nadu during the Pongal exodus. For the return rush, 6,926 buses, including special services, are being operated from January 15 to 19.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will operate additional services to facilitate passenger movement within Chennai on January 19 and 20. On Sunday (January 19), 150 extra buses will run, on Monday (January 20) ,500 extra buses will be added to the fleet. In total, 982 buses, including 482 daily services, will operate on Monday. MTC staff will be stationed at major hubs such as Tambaram, Koyambedu CMBT (KCBT), Poonamallee, CMBT, MMBT, Redhills, and Egmore to regulate traffic and assist commuters.

The railways will also run a special train from Mandapam to Chennai Egmore on Sunday. The train will depart Mandapam at 10 p.m. and arrive in Chennai Egmore at 11.30 a.m. on Monday.

To mitigate congestion, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police has imposed a ban on heavy vehicles entering Chennai from 2 p.m. on Saturday to 2 p.m. on Monday. Heavy vehicles will be diverted at Chengalpattu and Singaperumal Koil junctions.

Traffic restrictions have also been implemented on major roads, including, GST Road, Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), and East Coast Road (ECR).

Omni buses will be rerouted via the Outer Ring Road to reach Poonamallee and Maduravoyal.

Additionally, special trains will operate every 15 minutes from Chengalpattu to Chennai to meet the commuter rush. Authorities have appealed to commuters to plan their journeys wisely and use public transport wherever possible to minimise delays and inconvenience.

--IANS

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