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New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) In a remarkable initiative for the devotees attending the grand Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, a special camp named 'Netra Mahakumbh' has been set up to provide free eye checkups, spectacles, and medicines.

This camp, running since January 13, is also offering free eye surgeries for those in need, along with promoting awareness about eye donation.

The camp, supported by organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Saksham Foundation, and other social groups, has been helping thousands of pilgrims daily.

According to Satyavijay Singh, the RSS's Kashi region service head, the Maha Kumbh is held every 12 years, and this year, the Netra Mahakumbh aims to provide free eye care services to up to five lakh people, including free eye checkups for three lakh individuals, and distributing spectacles and medicines.

Additionally, free eye surgeries are being conducted for those in need. The camp is organised with the collaboration of several social organisations, including the Saksham Foundation, which focuses on empowering differently-abled individuals.

Rajesh Pratap, the RSS Uttar Pradesh publicity head, mentioned that hundreds of devotees are visiting the camp daily for eye checkups. Patients are sent to the OPD (Outpatient Department) where a team of 40 doctors examines them.

Medical staff, numbering over 100, are also available to assist. If a patient requires medicine, it is provided; if spectacles are needed, they are distributed free of charge. If a patient needs further treatment or surgery, they are referred to a hospital where their treatment is also provided at no cost.

Three cards are issued for each patient: one for the patient, one for the hospital, and one for the organisation’s records.

Shanti Bhushan Mishra from Prayagraj praised the camp, calling it an excellent initiative. Nimesh Pandey, who came from Hardoi, expressed his appreciation, stating, "This is a great initiative, benefiting hundreds of people."

Saurabh Shukla, another devotee, mentioned, "I came here for an eye checkup, but I also plan to donate my eyes."

The Netra Mahakumbh is not only providing essential healthcare but also fostering a sense of social responsibility and compassion among pilgrims, making it a significant part of this year's Maha Kumbh celebrations.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) Aam Aadmi Party Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that the loan of rich people should not be waived off and, instead, the farmers and the middle class should be given the benefit.

He said if loans have to be waived off, then these should be for farmers and home loans of the middle class.

"I have just calculated that if loans are not waived off, then the tax rates would reduce to just half," the former Delhi Chief Minister said.

He pointed out that a person earning Rs 12 lakh per annum gives most of his/her money in tax, and this is a major concern for the middle class.

This is Kejriwal's third letter to the Prime Minister in the last fortnight.

Kejriwal on January 19 said he had proposed a joint housing scheme in a letter to PM Modi for government employees, especially sanitation workers. In the letter to the PM, Kejriwal raised the issue of challenges related to permanent housing faced by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sanitation workers after retirement.

On January 17, Kejriwal wrote to PM Modi proposing to give a 50 per cent discount to students travelling by Delhi Metro. In the letter, he wrote that the Delhi Metro is a joint venture between the Central and Delhi governments and both should share the financial burden of the Metro services as a result.

The latest letter by Arvind Kejriwal to PM Modi comes just weeks before the Delhi Assembly polls. The Delhi Legislative Assembly election is scheduled for February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.

Delhi is witnessing a triangular contest among the AAP, BJP and Congress and all have been making several promises to lure voters.

Congress has promised LPG cylinder for Rs 500, free ration kits, and free electricity of up to 300 units to the city residents if voted to power. It has also announced ‘Pyari Didi Yojana’, promising a monthly aid of Rs 2,500 to women in Delhi.

The AAP, seeking a straight third term to power, has promised free healthcare for all senior citizens, monthly assistance of Rs 18,000 to priests in temples and granthis in gurudwaras, Mahila Samman Yojana and existing welfare schemes.

The BJP has been promising continuing welfare and subsidy schemes and providing up to 300 free units of electricity for households and up to 500 free power units for religious places, free bus rides for students and senior citizens, monthly financial aid scheme for women.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 28 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his statement on Maha Kumbh, saying it reflected a deeply troubling mindset against Sanatan Dharma.

CM Sarma wrote on his X handle, “The statement by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on the Mahakumbh is unprecedented and reflects a deeply troubling mindset against Sanatan Dharma. I believe this is the official stance of the Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi.”

The Assam CM also raised questions about Sonia Gandhi’s holy dip in Kumbh in 2001 and challenged Kharge to issue a statement on Hajj yatra.

He mentioned, “But let me ask him: back in 2001, Sonia Gandhi herself took a holy dip during the Kumbh. Will he also dare to say that going for Hajj will not resolve issues like hunger and poverty?”

CM Sarma also asked Hindu leaders to take a stand on this matter.

In the X post, the CM wrote, “It’s time for all Hindu leaders associated with Congress to reflect and take a stand. Do not compromise your faith, your dharma, or the rich cultural heritage of this nation for mere power and position. No leader, no ideology, and no party should be placed above your religion and beliefs. Sanatan Dharma has stood the test of time for millennia; do not allow its essence to be undermined for political expediency. Let your conscience guide you.”

To recall, criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders over taking dips in Sangam at the Maha Kumbh Mela, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday wondered if the Ganga baths would end poverty in the country or put food on the tables of those hungry while claiming that the BJP leaders have been visiting Prayagraj "just for the camera".

Kharge made the remarks while addressing the 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally in Madhya Pradesh's Mhow, the birthplace of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. However, he soon apologised for his remarks, stating: "I don't want to question anyone's faith'. If anyone feels bad, I apologise. But tell me, when a child is dying of hunger, is not going to school, labourers are not getting their dues, at such a time, these people are spending thousands of rupees and competing for taking dips."

Kharge's comments came after Home Minister Amit Shah visited Prayagraj on Monday and took a dip at Sangam.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also visited Prayagraj last week.

Further criticising the ruling BJP, the Congress president said religion is a matter of faith, "but these people (BJP leaders) have commercialised it".

"People perform 'puja' at home every day, but we have an issue with the poor being exploited in the name of religion," Kharge said. The Congress president's remarks have drawn a sharp response from the BJP.

Party MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Congress' hatred was an attack on the faith of crores of Hindus.

--IANS

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Kochi, Jan 28 (IANS) Even while on bail in a case of sexual harassment, award-winning Malayalam film director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan has been booked in a similar case registered by the Kochi police on a complaint by the same actress.

Sasidharan, who is in the US currently, has been accused of harassing the woman actor over social media.

The police have now started steps to extradite Sasidharan who is presently in the US. As the first step, they have got in touch with the Indian Embassy there.

Incidentally, Sasidharan is presently out on bail after he was arrested from a temple in the state capital city in 2022 on the complaint of an actress that she was being threatened and stalked by him for a while.

Sasidharan then along with his relatives had come to a temple near his home town Parassala in the state capital district when three people dressed in plainclothes (police officials) tried to forcibly take him into custody. Soon the director went live on Facebook alleging that his life was in danger as a few people were trying to "kidnap" him. He was seen shouting that he does not have faith in the system in the state and is presently living at his sister's home in Tamil Nadu, which borders Parassala.

In that case, Sasidharan secured bail. The fresh case was filed by the same actress after she continued to be harassed by the director through social media.

The 47-year-old Sasidharan began his film career in 2000 and the next year he made his first short film using crowdfunding. In 2014 he produced his first feature-length movie 'Oraalppokkam'. The film also won the award for the best Malayalam film in the International Film Festival of Kerala 2014 besides the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director in 2014. His film 'Kayyattam' in 2020 starred Manju Warrier and was shot on an iPhone in the Himalayas and also won acclaim.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 28 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, will inaugurate a memorial honouring 21 social justice activists who lost their lives in the police firing during the Vanniyar reservation struggle in September 1987.

The memorial, constructed at Vazhudhareddi in Villupuram at a cost of ₹5.70 crore, will be a tribute to these activists.

CM Stalin is on a two-day visit to Villupuram district as part of his statewide tour to evaluate government schemes.

During the tour, CM Stalin will also inaugurate a memorial hall in honour of former minister A. Govindasamy, who served in governments led by iconic Dravidian leaders C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.

This memorial hall, also built in Vazhudhareddi, has been completed at a cost of ₹4 crore.

As part of his visit, CM Stalin will also open the Ellis Chatram dam, built across the Thenpennai River at Enathimangalam.

As part of his two-day visit, CM Stalin conducted a roadshow in Tindivanam on Monday, greeting people and receiving petitions along the way.

He walked for about one km, interacting with residents before continuing the roadshow.

The event featured traditional art performances such as karakattam.

CM Stalin also paid a surprise visit to a primary health centre in Olakur near Tindivanam.

Accompanied by District Collector C. Palani, he inspected the fever and post-operative wards, checked the availability of medicines, and interacted with patients to assess the quality of treatment.

He directed health authorities to ensure timely disbursal of assistance under the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Security.

Tamil Nadu Minister for Forests K. Ponmudy, along with District Collector C. Palani, reviewed security arrangements in the district.

CM Stalin began district visits to monitor the implementation of state government schemes on November 5, starting with Coimbatore.

In a letter to party cadres, the Chief Minister announced his intention to conduct ground-level inspections across the state, emphasising his commitment to visiting all districts to evaluate the performance of welfare initiatives.

Since assuming office in May 2021, CM Stalin’s government has introduced several welfare schemes aimed at uplifting marginalised sections of society.

In the state legislative Assembly, CM Stalin reported that ₹6,569.75 crore has been distributed through the state government’s welfare schemes across Tamil Nadu since the DMK government assumed office.

—IANS

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Patna, Jan 28 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to visit Purnea on Tuesday as part of the second phase of his Pragati Yatra to review ongoing developmental projects, inauguration, and foundation-laying ceremonies for various schemes worth crores of rupees.

This follows his earlier visit to Saharsa on January 23.

During the visit, the Chief Minister is expected to engage directly with the local population, address their concerns, and inspect key public infrastructure, including schools and Anganwadi centres.

He will also conduct a detailed review of government-run schemes in the district. Senior officials, ministers, and local MLAs will accompany him, with all necessary administrative arrangements already in place to facilitate the visit.

Notably, this trip was initially scheduled for January 27 but had to be postponed after the Chief Minister fell ill.

Chief Minister Nitish's Pragati Yatra schedule has undergone slight adjustments.

According to the updated information released by the state Cabinet, the Chief Minister will visit Purnea, and continue his Pragati Yatra in Katihar on January 29 and Madhepura on January 30.

This systematic approach highlights the Chief Minister's commitment to closely monitoring and advancing the progress of key projects while addressing the needs of local communities.

As part of his Pragati Yatra, Chief Minister Nitish visited Saharsa district on January 23, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 development schemes worth over Rs 210 crore.

He had inaugurated the school building at the Senior Secondary School campus in Mainha village, located in the Sattarkataiya block. He also inspected the school playground and reviewed its facilities apart from examining the waste processing unit, emphasizing sustainable waste disposal practices.

CM Nitish also inspected the Government Medical College and Hospital Purnea as well.

CM Nitish visited the site to resolve the silt issue in the Tilave River, issued directives for effective measures to address the problem and distributed cheques to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, ensuring direct benefits to those in need.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Jan 28 (IANS) A day after former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused BJP-ruled Haryana of 'poisoning' the Yamuna river, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini asked the former to apologize to the people, otherwise, he will file a defamation suit against him.

A day earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and her Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann moved the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging high ammonia levels in the water supplied from Haryana to Delhi.

It’s learnt that the ECI has directed the Haryana government to submit a factual report by noon on Tuesday.

In his campaigning in poll-bound Delhi, AAP national convener Kejriwal has been saying the BJP “has done such an act that has never been done in history before. The people of Delhi get water to drink from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

“In Yamuna, water flows into Delhi from Haryana. The BJP’s Haryana government has poisoned the water in Yamuna. However, the Delhi Jal Board was vigilant enough to stop that water from coming to Delhi, otherwise, it would have caused mass genocide in Delhi.”

Responding to Kejriwal’s “war of words”, Haryana CM Saini said Kejriwal has a habit of making baseless allegations and blaming others for his “inefficiency” and “incapability” to fulfil his own promises.

“Kejriwal should apologise to the people of Delhi and Haryana or face legal action for his baseless allegations,” said CM Saini.

He blamed Kejriwal for failing to make proper arrangements for water distribution, which has forced Delhi residents to consume contaminated water.

CM Saini blamed Kejriwal for systematically diverting 28 drains into the Yamuna river. “The people of Delhi would teach him a lesson in the upcoming Assembly polls...I said that you (Kejriwal) send your Chief Secretary, and I will ask my Chief Secretary to check the quality of water at Sonipat from where the Yamuna enters Delhi. He talks about ammonia. He claims scarcity of water, but there is no scarcity. The issue lies in the distribution system,” CM Saini added.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 28 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a key suspect, identified as Alphazith (25), in connection with ISIS recruitment activities. The arrest took place in Purasaiwalkam, Chennai during a raid by NIA which commenced at 3.30 a.m. Tuesday.

Alphazith, a resident of the Mayiladuthurai district, was employed as a driver with Kasturi Ambulance Service in Purasaiwalkam. Preliminary investigations indicate that Alphazith was involved in recruiting individuals for ISIS, a banned terrorist organisation.

Further investigations are ongoing.

The NIA launched simultaneous raids in Chennai and Mayiladuthurai districts early Tuesday, starting at 3:30 a.m., following intelligence inputs that individuals in various districts of Tamil Nadu were being recruited for banned organisations.

The raids are being conducted at 15 locations in Mayiladuthurai and 5 locations in Chennai. NIA teams from Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with support from the Tamil Nadu Police, are participating in the operation.

Sources within the Tamil Nadu Police revealed that the raids targeted areas associated with banned Islamic fundamentalist organisations.

The NIA has conducted multiple raids across Tamil Nadu in recent years, targeting locations such as Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Madurai, and others. These operations often focused on former members of the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI), an Islamist organisation banned by the Government of India in 2022. One notable case involved the February 5, 2019, murder of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Ramalingam in Thanjavur. Ramalingam was allegedly killed by PFI members for opposing the forced conversion of underprivileged individuals.

The NIA had earlier filed charges against 18 PFI members in connection with the case. On September 24, 2024, the NIA conducted raids at 12 locations in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Kanyakumari, and Pudukottai. These raids were linked to recruitment activities for Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), a banned terrorist organisation seeking to establish an Islamic state governed by its founder Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani’s constitution.

The investigation into HUT recruitment activities intensified after the Tamil Nadu Police arrested six men, including engineering graduate Hameed Hussain and his family members, on August 1, 2024. Hussain was identified as the mastermind behind HUT recruitment efforts, using social media to promote an Islamic caliphate and speak against democratic processes.

Another significant arrest occurred on August 31, 2024, when the NIA apprehended HUT activist Aziz Ahamed (also known as Jaleel Aziz Ahmed) at Bengaluru International Airport while he attempted to flee the country. This marked a major development in the NIA’s crackdown on the group’s activities in India.

The NIA continues to investigate the broader network involved in radicalisation and recruitment efforts, aiming to neutralise threats to national security.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 28 (IANS) Days after the state reported the first death due to the Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), the Maharashtra government has appealed to the citizens not to panic and visit a government hospital in case any symptoms appear.

Citizens should also implement preventive measures, the government said in its appeal.

According to the state public health department release issued late on Monday night, there are 110 suspected patients of GBS and one death has been reported until now.

Of these, eight have been diagnosed as confirmed GBS cases.

Of the 110 suspected patients, about 88 are from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 15 from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and seven are from other districts.

Out of this, 73 are men and 37 are women while 13 out of these are currently on ventilator.

Nine patients suspected of suffering from GBS were reported on Monday (January 27), of these, seven were from PMC, one from PCMC & one from other district.

A Pune-based Chartered Accountant from DSK Vishwa area in Dhayari died. He was suffering from diarrhoea for a few days and had gone to his native village from Solapur district for a private visit. After feeling extreme weakness, he was admitted to a private hospital in Solapur where the doctors diagnosed him with GBS.

He was shifted to the ICU for further treatment as he was unable to move his hands and legs.

After his health improved he was moved out of the ICU on Saturday but he faced breathing problems and later died. This was confirmed by the relatives of the deceased.

According to the public health department, GBS is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. It is characterised by muscle weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis.

The common symptoms of GBS include sudden weakness in hands or legs/paralysis, trouble while walking or weakness with sudden onset of diarrhoea for sustained periods.

The public health department said it has taken a slew of measures including visit by a state-level rapid response team to the affected area immediately, instructions to Pune Municipal Commissioner and rural district authorities to increase surveillance activities.

As many as 44 stool samples were sent to NIV Pune and tested for enteric virus panel. Moreover, 14 samples tested positive for Noro virus and five stool samples were positive for Campylobacter.

A total of 59 blood samples have been sent to NIV. All samples have tested negative for Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya.

About 34 water samples from different parts of the city have been sent for chemical and biological analysis to the Public Health Laboratory and samples from seven water sources were found contaminated.

Instructions have been given to increase health promotion activities and an appeal has been made to private medical practitioners to notify any GBS patient to the respective public health authorities.

“Citizens should not panic. The state’s health department is prepared to implement preventive and control measures. In house-to-house surveillance activities, 23,017 houses in Pune MC, 4,441 houses in PCMC and 7,610 houses in Pune rural areas have been surveyed (total 35,068),” said an officer from the state public health department.

The citizens have been urged to take every possible care to keep the water quality good, drink boiled water, keep food fresh and clean, avoid infection by not keeping cooked and uncooked food items together.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Jan 28 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted raids at multiple locations in Kashmir in connection with the killings of non-locals by the terrorists.

NIA sources said these raids are being carried out with the assistance of the J&K Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

“NIA raids are taking place at six locations in Srinagar, Budgam and Sopore areas under the supervision of NIA Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Sandeep Choudhary,” sources said.

The NIA has been investigating many terrorist-related crimes in Jammu and Kashmir, including the killings of Hindu pilgrims in the Reasi district of Jammu division on June 9, 2024, and the Gagangir in the Ganderbal district.

Terrorists had opened fire at the 53-seater bus carrying pilgrims when it was en route from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra town in the Reasi district. Nine people and 41 were injured in that dastardly attack. Terrorists first fired at the driver of the bus and then fired indiscriminately at the overturned bus targeting men, women and children.

On October 20, 2024, two terrorists, a foreigner and a local, entered the worker's camp of an infrastructure company and fired indiscriminately at Gagangir in Ganderbal district. Six non-local civilian workers and a local doctor were killed in the attack.

Non-local masons, carpenters, bricklayers, drivers and unskilled workers like street vendors, have also fallen to the bullets of the terrorists in the Valley. Terrorists have killed non-local labourers in many places during the last 20 years. The killing of non-locals is believed to be a tactic by the terrorists to keep the local population away from trade, education and business. This is also aimed at trying to stoke communal reaction against locals at places outside J&K where these are living and doing business, pursuing education, etc., in other states of the country.

--IANS

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