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Bhopal, Dec 12 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh’s Women and Child Development Department on Thursday claimed to have rescued a woman beggar near a temple in Indore with cash amount more than Rs 75, 000.

The administration claimed, that the woman, who has been shifted to a rescue centre run by the Women and Child Development Department, has confessed to earning the money within one month from begging in the area.

Project Officer of the Child Development Department in Indore city, Dinesh Mishra said, "During the interrogation woman said she had earned this money in the past month. She has been involved in begging for the last several years."

The state government has revived the beggar-free campaign which was initially planned in September 2023 by the then Indore District Collector Ilayaraja T.

Ilayaraja T is now serving as Additional Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department while new Indore District Collector Ashish Singh has taken forward the implementation of the scheme.

The district administration has said that the campaign has been launched so that the children and women engaged in begging at crossroads could be rescued.

An official said that a committee under the supervision of the Indore District administration, along with the concerned departments must identify sectors (hotspots) where there are cases of disguised begging.

The rescued child labourers cum beggars are being given proper counselling followed by education and training so that they are properly rehabilitated and do not go back on the streets.

"Rescued persons are counselled in three phases and if they are still found on the streets, then there is also a procedure for legal action against them," Dinesh Mishra said.

Indore district administration has deployed a dedicated team that looks after the issue along with the other departments to introduce a grassroots campaign for this purpose.

--IANS

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Karnataka, Dec 12 (IANS) Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana registered big wins on Day 4 of the ongoing 7th edition of the Men's National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2024-25, popularly known as the Nagesh Trophy. The 7th edition of Nagesh Trophy Group A & Group B league matches began on Monday. A total of five teams from Group A & five teams from Group B will be battling for glory at the ongoing Nagesh Trophy respectively.

In Bengaluru, Karnataka secured a dominant win over Tamil Nadu. Put to bat first, Tamil Nadu scored a total of 117/9 in their 20 overs, while Karnataka defeated Tamil Nadu with a score of 87/5 in 8.5 overs.

Karnataka won by 5 wickets through the DLS method where the match was reduced to 13.0 overs with a target of 85 runs. Sunil Ramesh from the Karnataka team was adjudged as the player of the match.

In the second clash, between Delhi and Himachal, the match was abandoned due to the prevailing weather conditions in Bengaluru.

Group B action at JK Pavilion Ground saw Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry facing each other. Having to put to bat first, Pondicherry scored 142/7 in their 20 overs. Andhra Pradesh won the match by scoring 143/5 in 16.1 overs.

Gopalachary from Andhra Pradesh was adjudged the player of the match for his brilliant knock of 50 off 34 balls.

In the second game between Haryana and Bihar, Haryana having batted first managed to score a victory by scoring 192/6 in 20 overs. Bihar managed to score 162/8 in 20 overs. Deepak Malik from Haryana was adjudged the player of the match for his brilliant knock of 127 of 61 balls.

This year’s league matches are hosted across six venues, culminating in the Super 8 stage in February 2025. A total of 28 teams, including state and union territory squads and an Indian Railways team, are vying for the championship.

--IANS

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Kandy (Sri Lanka), Dec 12 (IANS) Jaffna Titans registered a comprehensive win against Colombo Jaguars by 40 runs to add two more points to the tally in the Lanka T10 Super League at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on a rain-marred second day.

Jaffna rode on spectacular batting by opener Kusal Mendis and his Sri Lankan teammate Charith Asalanka to post a mammoth 138/6 in 10 overs on the board. While Mendis struck 37 off just 19 deliveries, Asalanka notched up 56 off 24 with the help of five maximums and as many fours. For the Jaguars, skipper Angelo Mathews and Ali Khan picked up two wickets each.

Later, bowlers especially youngster Treveen Mathew who has been gathering praise from everyone for his spin bowling did the job for the Titans and restricted the opposition to 98/6. The Colombo Jaguars never really got the start they needed and lost wickets at regular intervals. Treveen Mathew once again showed his skills and returned with bowling figures of 3/18 in 20 overs.

Earlier, the first match on Day 2 between Kandy Bolts and Nuwara Eliya Kings was called off due to rain after just 3.3 overs.

Kandy Bolts who were batting first had put up 38/1 with Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka being not out at 26 off 11 when rain arrived. The second fixture between Galle Marvels and Hambantota Bangla Tigers was abandoned without a toss.

--IANS

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Jammu, Dec 12 (IANS) J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Department of Floriculture, Parks, and Gardens to review its functioning and discuss strategies to enhance the sector’s potential, an official statement said.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the immense opportunities in the floriculture sector, especially with Kashmir Valley soon to be connected with the rest of the country through railways.

He emphasised the need to leverage this connectivity to market Kashmir’s flowers across India and globally.

“We must engage progressive growers and other stakeholders to fully realise the sector’s potential,” the Chief Minister said.

He further directed the department to plant tulips along Airport Road to enhance the aesthetic appeal and launch ad campaigns to attract more tourists to Srinagar’s iconic Tulip Garden.

Earlier, the Commissioner Secretary gave a detailed presentation on the department’s functioning, highlighting achievements and ongoing projects.

Key milestones and initiatives discussed included, Tulip Show 2024 in which a record 1.7 million tulips of 72 varieties were planted, attracting 4.46 lakh tourists in March 2024.

The meeting also discussed significant developments in the floriculture sector, including the establishment of ornamental cherry tree gardens (Sakura) and the creation of a Tulip Garden in Sanasar.

The establishment of peony and rose gardens at Pahalgam was also highlighted, alongside progress in the process of enlisting six historic Mughal Gardens as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discussions further focused on various ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at the modernisation and enhancement of the region’s parks and gardens.

These included the upgradation of Bagh-e-Bahu Garden and the establishment of Bour Camp Garden in Jammu.

Other projects discussed were the development of chrysanthemum plantations at Udhampur, the upgradation of Badamwari, and the establishment of the Dara Shikoh Garden.

The creation of theme gardens at Gulmarg, the development of floriculture nurseries, and the establishment of a model flower centre in Jammu were also deliberated.

Additionally, plans for an amphitheatre and beautification projects at Bagh-e-Bahu were reviewed.

The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of modernising and mechanising garden maintenance to enhance efficiency while optimising resources and generating revenue. He urged the department to prioritise initiatives that boost the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir while preserving the region’s rich natural heritage.

The Chief Minister emphasised the need for modernisation and mechanisation of garden maintenance, resource optimisation, and revenue generation.

He urged the department to focus on projects that enhance the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir while preserving its natural heritage.

--IANS

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Morocco, Dec 12 (IANS) At least four of the Indian women golfers playing at different venues are in a good position to qualify for the Final Qualifier at Lalla Aicha Q-School for the Ladies European Tour.

They were Sneha Singh, Vidhatri Urs, Amandeep Drall and Avani Prashanth, while Ridhima Dilawari and Nayanika Sanga can make a last-round dash to get into the final qualifiers as the Top-23 and ties are likely to make the final stage. Sneha Singh, winner of the domestic Women’s Order of Merit in 2023, is lying second in the Par-73 Noria Golf Club in Marrakech with rounds of 69-73 and trailed leader, Annika Borrelli of South Africa, who carded 69-70 by three shots.

Ridhima Dilawari (79-77) was T-35, as Top-23 and ties advance to the Final qualifier. Jasmine Shekar (77-88) was T-55 and Oviya Reddi (80-88) was T-58.

Also well-positioned to make it to the Final qualifier was Vidhatri Urs (68-77), who was tied for the lead after the first round. She slipped in the second but is very much in line to make the final stage at Samanah. Neha Tripathi (80-80) was T-55.

At the Rotana Golf Club, Amandeep Drall (71-73) was even par at the Par-72 course, while Avani Prashanth (73-72) at 1-over T-14 as the top 23 and ties move up. Nayanika Sanga (77-74) was T-38. At Palm Ourika, India’s Shweta Mansingh (73-80) was T-40 and Durga Nittur (73-82) was T-48.

England’s Rosie Belsham is in front at Samanah with Finland’s Elina Nummenpaa and French amateur Vanessa Bouvet top at Rotana, Wales’ Darcey Harry leads at Palm Golf Ourika, meanwhile American Annika Borrelli is in front at Noria.

--IANS

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Patna, Dec 12 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the country's first child cancer hospital, Mahavir Child Cancer Hospital, in Phulwari Sharif town of Patna.

This ambitious project is being spearheaded by the Mahavir Cancer Institute, which already operates two cancer hospitals, and is set to provide free cancer treatment for children up to 18 years.

The child cancer hospital will have the capacity of 100 beds.

It will be an ultramodern, six-storey facility and will be built in an expected time period of 18 months.

The new facility will provide free cancer treatment for children.

The project was launched during a programme commemorating the anniversary of the Mahavir Cancer Institute.

Acharya Kishore Kunal, the Secretary of Mahavir Mandir Nyas Samiti, Building Construction Minister Ashok Chaudhary, and Medical Superintendent L.B. Singh were present, along with religious leaders and officials, to mark the occasion.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the initiative, expressing gratitude to the Mahavir Mandir Trust and the administrators of Mahavir Cancer Institute for their contribution to healthcare.

Addressing a gathering, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes for the successful completion of the hospital, emphasising its importance for children battling cancer.

The construction of this hospital represents a major step forward in pediatric cancer care in India.

Once completed, the hospital will serve as a critical resource for underprivileged families in need of specialised cancer treatment for their children.

The upcoming Mahavir Child Cancer Hospital in Phulwari Sharif aims to provide a lifeline for children battling cancer, particularly those from economically weaker sections.

Acharya Kishore Kunal, the Secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust Board, highlighted the significance of the project, stating: "This will be the country's first cancer hospital for children. The problem of cancer is increasing rapidly among children, which is very worrying. Through this hospital, relief will be given to those families who are unable to afford expensive treatment."

The Mahavir Mandir Trust, which operates the iconic Mahavir (Hanuman) temple in Patna, is renowned for its charitable healthcare initiatives.

It already manages the Mahavir Cancer Institute and Research Centre, a leading institution providing comprehensive cancer care in Bihar.

--IANS

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Pune, Dec 12 (IANS) Bengal Warriorz and UP Yoddhas played out the 11th tie of Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as the match ended 31-31 at the Badminton Hall in Balewadi Sports Complex here on Thursday. A Super 10 from Pranay Rane and a High 5 from Nitesh Kumar helped their side bag three points, while Gagan Gowda registered a Super 10 for UP Yoddhas.

UP Yoddhas flew off the blocks courtesy of Gowda getting their first points, while Bhavani Rajput executed a Super Raid to get their team off to a flyer. Bengal Warriorz had to respond strongly and they did, as Siddhesh Tatkare got a Super Tackle to level things up after a rapid start. The quick exchanges continued between the two sides as Gagan Gowda registered a Super Raid to put his side back in front.

With both sides going at it hammer and tongs, Pranay Rane got a two-point raid of his own to keep Bengal Warriorz within striking distance. UP Yoddhas kept their noses in front after the first 10 minutes though. Bhavani Rajput breached the milestone of 100 raid points for this season, doing most of the raiding alongside Gowda for their side.

Hitesh also completed 50 tackle points for the season as UP Yoddhas held onto their slender lead. Nitesh Kumar got on the board for the Bengal Warriorz, tackling Bhavani Rajput on a do-or-die raid to make it a one-point game. It was his defensive efforts that ensured the Bengal Warriorz stayed in the hunt after a high-octane first half that closed at 15-13.

It was a relatively slower start to the second half as the two raiding units resorted to the do-or-die strategy. Fazel Atrachali got his first tackle of the game, while Manjeet bagged a raid of his own to even the score at 16-all within five minutes of the second half. However, Dabang Delhi K.C. regained their lead after a Super Tackle by Hitesh, who completed his High 5.

Bhavani Rajput got a successful do-or-die raid before Pranay Rane returned the favour with a two-point read to keep the scores level. Nitesh Kumar completed his Hi-5 with a hundred percent tackle rate. Fazel Atrachali followed it up with a tackle of his own, as the Bengal Warriorz inflicted an All Out and got the lead for the first time in the night.

UP Yoddhas got their noses back in front courtesy of a Super Raid from Gowda as he completed his Super 10. Pranay Rane carried on his lone battle as the raider for Bengal Warriorz, registering a Super 10 of his own. With the game coming down to the wire, UP Yoddhas had a three-point lead.

Fazel Atrachali executed a brilliant Super Tackle before Vishwas S. made a late impact to help Bengal Warriorz level the scores 30-30 with under a minute to go.

After a thrilling 40 minutes, the two teams ended on level terms at 31-31. As a result, UP Yoddhas remain in fourth place on the points table, while Bengal Warriorz will need other results to go their way to remain in the hunt for playoffs.

--IANS

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Bhopal, Dec 12 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Thursday that the BJP-led state government will continue the 'Ladli Behna Yojana' in the state despite claiming that the women-centric flagship has created a 'financial burden' on the state's budget.

Chief Minister Yadav made this statement during a press conference, highlighting the achievements and steps taken to strengthen the financial state of the Madhya Pradesh government during the past year under his leadership.

He said that when this scheme was launched, a perception was made that it would not last for a longer period. However, the state government has ensured to deposit every installment of the scheme on its scheduled date without any delay and it could happen because of improvement in the financial position of the state.

"We accept that Ladli Behna Yojana has created an extra financial burden on the government, but at the same time, we have also increased our earning resources during this period. Ladli Behna Yojana will continue," CM Yadav said.

The 'Ladli Behna Yojana' was introduced by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in June 2023, a few months before the Assembly elections held in the state.

This scheme has played a crucial role in BJP's stellar victory in the 2023 Assembly polls, propelling a two per cent surge in voting by women in the state.

Under the scheme, the state government provides financial assistance to the women (under certain conditions) of Rs 1,250 per month.

The scheme was launched claiming to make women more financially independent, maintain self-reliance, and improve the health and nutritional status of their dependent children by providing monetary benefits.

The concept of this freebie scheme was adopted by some other state governments as well. However, reports suggested that the Ladli Behna scheme costs Rs 19,000 crore financial burden on the cash-strapped government.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a plea filed by senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia seeking relaxation of the bail condition requiring him to report to the Investigating Officer semi-weekly.

A bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai decided to delete the bail condition requiring Sisodia to report to the Investigating Officer every Monday and Thursday between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

“We do not find the said condition is necessary and the same is therefore deleted. However, it is directed that the applicant (Sisodia) shall regularly attend the trial court,” ordered Justice Gavai-led Bench.

Earlier on Monday, the Bench, also comprising Justice K.V. Viswanathan, agreed to list on December 11 the plea moved by Sisodia after senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned it.

In August this year, the Supreme Court granted bail to the senior AAP leader, saying that he cannot be kept behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of a speedy completion of trial in the alleged excise policy case.

Pronouncing the verdict on Sisodia’s bail pleas, a Bench presided over by Justice Gavai had said: "In the present case, in ED as well as CBI matter, 493 witnesses have been named and the case involves thousands of pages of documents and over lakh pages of digitised documents."

"It is thus clear that there is not even a remotest possibility of the trial being concluded in the near future. In our view, keeping the appellant behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of speedy completion of the trial would deprive him of the Fundamental Right of Liberty given under Article 21 of the Constitution."

The Bench, also comprising Justice Viswanathan, held that on account of a long period of incarceration running for around 17 months and the trial not having commenced, Sisodia had been deprived of his right to a speedy trial.

Rejecting the contention that Sisodia, if granted bail, may tamper with the evidence, the Supreme Court had said that the prosecution case majorly stems from documentary evidence, which has already been seized by the CBI and the ED.

The SC refused to accept central agencies’ submission that Sisodia should not be allowed to visit the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office or Delhi Secretariat.

"The appellant (Sisodia) shall surrender his passport with the Special Court. The appellant shall report to the Investigating Officer every Monday and Thursday between 10-11 a.m. and the appellant shall not make any attempt either to influence the witnesses or to tamper with the evidence," it said.

In an earlier judgment delivered on October 30 last year, the top court had denied bail to the former Deputy Chief Minister but said that if the trial proceeds slowly in the next three months, he may apply for bail afresh.

Recently, the Delhi High Court issued notice on Sisodia’s plea against the trial court’s decision to take cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged liquor policy scam case.

In his petition filed before the Delhi HC, Sisodia contended that the trial court took cognisance of the alleged offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) without any prior sanction having been obtained by the ED for prosecution.

The plea added that the trial court should have not taken cognisance of the ED's prosecution complaint without sanction since he held a public office at the time of the commission of the alleged money laundering offence.

The matter is slated to be heard next on December 20, along with a similar petition filed by AAP supremo and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal seeking a stay of trial proceedings on the grounds of lack of sanction.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) India has the potential to create more than 30 million new women-owned enterprises, according to a report.

The report -- on democratisation of entrepreneurship in India -- by consulting firm KPMG stated that this can translate to 150 to 170 million more jobs in the country.

Investing in women-led ventures can have a multiplier effect, as they are more likely to reinvest in their communities, the report said.

Further, boosting venture capital (VC) funding in women-led startups in India can enhance gender equity. It will also enable women founders to scale their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the economy on a larger scale.

“More than 20 per cent of India’s MSME startups were by women-led ventures and 45 per cent of these came from tier II and III cities,” said Akhilesh Tuteja, Client’s and Market Partner, KPMG, at the TiE Global Summit 2024 in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, nearly half of the 1,52,139 startups supported by the government now has at least one woman Director (nearly 73,151 startups). This shows the importance of women in driving innovation and economic growth in the country.

It said the government has also implemented several flagship schemes to promote women-led startups. These include about Rs 3,107 crore invested in 149 women-led startups through Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) has since its inception in April 2021, approved Rs 227.12 crore in funding for 1,278 women-led startups.

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), operational since April 2023, has guaranteed Rs 24.6 crore in loans for women-led ventures, said the ministry.

Notably, the Startup India Initiative, launched in 2016, has also been a game-changer in fostering entrepreneurship in the country.

The startups led by women are thriving across more than 600 districts in India's tech ecosystem. More than half of the startups in these districts are being led by women.

--IANS

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