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Patna, Jan 26 (IANS) Anshuman Sinha, son of the legendary folk singer Swar Kokila Late Sharda Sinha, while thanking the Union government for conferring Padma Vibhushan on his mother, termed the award a ‘historic moment’ for his entire family.

“The award is a historic moment for our entire family,” Sinha told IANS.

On the eve of Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu conferred India's second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan posthumously upon the legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha for her work in the field of folk music.

“This is a moment of great pride. It is a matter of pride for my family, state, and the entire country. Receiving the highest civilian awards in the field of folk music is history in itself. I, along with all the family members, wholeheartedly thank the Union government for this initiative,” Sinha said.

He added that the Union government has respected folk culture, folk songs, and good traditions which is the biggest achievement.

“If my mother were alive today, this day would have been completely different. You would have been asking her to sing, and she would have happily sung for everyone. We miss her a lot. If my father were here, he would have decorated the entire house in celebration, invited everyone, and shared his joy with them. We miss all of that deeply. But now, with this recognition, the government has acknowledged her legacy, and it is a moment of immense happiness and pride for us,” he said.

Anshuman Sinha also spoke about Sharda Sinha’s previous honours and her remarkable journey.

“My mother received the Padma Shri in 1991. At that time, we were young children, busy with studies, unaware of the significance of the awards she received. In 2018, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan. And now, in 2025, receiving the Padma Vibhushan after such a long journey is not only an acknowledgement of her work but also a tribute to how she brought Bihar's folk culture to the world stage,” he said.

He added that this recognition is a testament to the love of the people and the support of the government.

When asked about the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, Anshuman responded with optimism.

“I will definitely say that she is and will always remain a jewel of India. Bharat Ratna is a process, and it will happen when the time comes. What matters most is that she is already a jewel of India,” he said.

--IANS

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Shillong, Jan 24 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Sunday said that the government has set an aim to make the hill state a $10 billion strong economy in the next three years.

Moreover, the Chief Minister asserted in his Republic Day speech that the law and order situation has been better in Meghalaya in the last one year and the state remained peaceful.

He also spoke about the state government implementing the three new criminal laws -- Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhinyam (BSA) except in autonomous district areas.

Sangma said: "The vision of our government is to make Meghalaya a $10 billion economy by 2028, by doubling our state's GDP. We are poised towards achieving this goal and strategies are being developed across sectors, and investments are being mobilised. The GDP of our State increased from Rs 23,235 crore in Financial Year (FY)15 to Rs 53,057 crore in FY24. Key areas like roads, housing, water supply, power, tourism, and IT are driving growth.

"Over the past five years, the State has built more than 2,500 km of roads under PMGSY. The government is in the process of expanding the Shillong Airport to accommodate larger flights and improve connectivity,” he added.

Sangma also said: "The government of Meghalaya is dedicated to enhancing the State's road infrastructure, to ensure better connectivity, and fostering economic growth. Over the past two years, the government has sanctioned road works covering 568 km, to enhance connectivity in the state.

"Work on the Shillong-Dawki Highway and Tura-Dalu Road is progressing well, and a new alignment for the Pynursla Bypass is approved. Additionally, significant projects like Shillong Western Bypass, and a high-speed corridor from Mawlyngkhung to Panchgram are also advancing."

The CM further stated: "During the last year the overall law and order situation in the State was peaceful. In the year 2023-24, the three new Criminal Laws namely the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhinyam (BSA) were implemented with effect from 1st July 2024. However, the Autonomous District Council Courts will continue to function under the provision of the Sixth Schedule.

"The new laws mark a significant shift in the administration of criminal justice with emphasis on the use of technology and forensics. In line with this, the State government has also upgraded the Forensic Sciences Lab in Shillong to a full-fledged Directorate of Forensic Sciences and also approved the creation of Mobile Forensic Science Units in each district. Further, the Directorate of Prosecution has also been operationalised with the appointment of a Director and Assistant Public Prosecutors."

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 26 (IANS) An FIR was filed at a Kolkata-based police station on Sunday against the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for mentioning the date of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s demise on his official X handle, while paying tributes to him on his birth anniversary on January 23.

The FIR has been filed by the self-proclaimed Hindutva Group, Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha at Bhawanipur Police Station in South Kolkata. After filing the FIR, the activists of the group also staged demonstrations near Netaji’s ancestral house at Elgin Road, also in south Kolkata, protesting against the contents of the controversial post by Rahul Gandhi.

According to the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha state president Chandrachud Goswami, Rahul Gandhi is carrying the same legacy who first forced Netaji to quit Congress and thereafter leave the country. “Rahul Gandhi and his ancestors always try to wipe out the memories of Netaji from the memory of the people of India. The people of India will punish him. As for us, we will always be protesting if anyone tries to distort information on Netaji,” Goswami said.

Earlier this week, the Congress MP in a post on X mentioned August 18, 1945, as the reported date of death of the iconic freedom fighter. The date mentioned by the LoP was the same date when the plane carrying Netaji from Saigon and destined for the then USSR-occupied Manchuria crashed at Taihoku (presently Taipei).

However, none of the commissions set up subsequently on Netaji’s ‘disappearance’ could ever confirm August 18, 1945, as the exact date of his death and a mystery surrounds the fate of the freedom fighter.

Following the post, Rahul Gandhi faced criticism from across the party lines including All India Forward Bloc, a party founded by Netaji himself after quitting the Congress party. The state leaders from both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP criticised Rahul Gandhi over the post.

--IANS

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Ranchi, Jan 26 (IANS) The inaugural edition of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 came to an end with Odisha Warriors lifting the title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Soorma Hockey Club in the final at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.

Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (20’, 56’) gave Warriors the lead in the second quarter but Penny Squibb (28’) equalised for Soorma soon after. However, Rutuja found the back of the net again as the game came to a close and sealed the victory for the Warriors.

It was a high-intensity clash right from the starting whistle with Odisha Warriors’ Freeke Moes making the first circle entry while JSW Soorma Hockey Club continued to be exemplary in defence and rotated possession slowly to gain control over the game. The back and forth, however, did not result in a significant shooting chance until the Warriors’ Neha found Rutuja Dadaso Pisal in front of the goal but Soorma goalkeeper Savita charged out to diffuse the situation and the first quarter ended goalless.

The midfield battle continued in the second quarter but the breakthrough came out of nowhere as Victoria Sauze looked to pass into the circle but it was deflected high and Rutuja was alert to loft the ball in and over Savita to grant the Warriors the lead. Soorma pressed on in search of an equaliser and earned their second penalty corner with two minutes left in the quarter. And Penny Squibb stepped up and dragged the ball past Warriors’ keeper Jocelyn Bartram to the right bottom corner of the goal to restore parity.

Soorma took the initiative as soon as the third quarter began with Charlotte Englebert and Olivia Shannon testing Jocelyn Bartram on multiple occasions. They went on to earn a penalty corner within five minutes, but Jyoti’s attempt on goal was deflected away. The Warriors then attempted to regain control, making it an end to end game but neither was able to score till the end of the third quarter.

The last quarter was tense with both teams aiming to play it safe. With eight minutes left in the game, the Warriors earned their first penalty corner but Neha’s shot was deflected well over the goal. Soon after, on a counterattack, Rutuja picked up a loose ball in the circle and thundered it between Savita’s legs to grant the Warriors the lead again. They earned another penalty corner in the next minute but Yibbi Jansen’s flick was charged down easily. The Warriors sustained Soorma’s advances in the closing minutes and clinched the title with a 2-1 victory.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Accusing AAP of indulging in illegal activities, former Union Minister Smriti Irani on Sunday said evidence has come to light regarding the creation of fake Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and PAN cards for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in south Delhi's Sangam Vihar area.

She said the illegal activity was being facilitated by AAP MLAs and that the party’s members were deeply involved in this fraudulent operation.

Irani stated that due to the actions of AAP, there has been an unlawful encroachment on the rights of Delhi and the country, which has become a matter of serious concern.

She said complaints about the issuance of fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and voter IDs led to the filing of a case at the Sangam Vihar police station in Delhi in December 2024. During the investigation, it was discovered that fake Aadhaar cards were being produced through a shop in Sector 5, Rohini, Delhi.

She said the shop owner revealed that the establishment had been facilitating the creation of Aadhaar cards for illegal infiltrators and Bangladeshis.

The investigation further found that the accused, Ranjeet and his associate, Afroz, were issuing fake birth certificates through an authorised centre, which were then used to generate fraudulent Aadhaar cards, she said.

The former Union minister stated that after the arrest of the accused, Ranjeet and Afroz, the investigation revealed a disturbing truth through the analysis of data from seized laptops.

A total of 26 Aadhaar update forms were found, bearing the signatures and stamps of AAP officials. Among these forms, the stamps and signatures of AAP Rithala MLA Mohinder Goyal and Bawana MLA Jai Bhagwan, were discovered, she said.

During questioning, 15 individuals admitted that they had obtained fake Aadhaar cards and had secured the signatures and stamps of these MLAs on their updated forms, she said.

Additionally, 10 people revealed that they personally went to MLA Goyal's office and had his staff assist them in obtaining the signatures and stamps on their forms, she said.

Irani highlighted that the Delhi Police had served two notices to AAP MLAs and their staff members for investigation, but there has been no response from the Aam Aadmi Party so far.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Jan 12 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday that the Panchayat elections will be held in April.

Sarma told reporters here, “The High Court (Gauhati) has given the permission today to conduct Panchayat elections. However we have lost the time as if we start from today, the elections can be held in mid-February. But we have examinations of class 10 and 12 in the next month and conducting an election at that time will create a lot of troubles for the students in the villages. Moreover, it will be difficult to get halls for counting of votes.”

The CM said that the state administration will look into the possibility of conducting Panchayat elections in April. “The panchayat polls will likely to happen around Bihu in April,” he added.

The High Court had previously ordered that no notification for the Panchayat elections should be issued until January 8. However, the state government has sought reconsideration of this decision, citing concerns over the need to proceed with the elections as planned.

In response, the court has instructed the plaintiffs to submit their replies by Sunday (January 12). Additionally, the court has directed that those copies of the government’s application be served to the parties involved today, ensuring transparency in the legal proceedings.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier announced that the Panchayat elections would be held as per the original schedule. But the administration could not proceed with the notification of polls due to bar from the court. The government requested the court to allow the elections to take place without further legal entanglements, emphasising the need for the polls to proceed in panchayats despite ongoing cases.

The court’s decision follows multiple petitions filed due to discrepancies in the constituency redetermination process. These petitions argue that the elections should be postponed until these errors are rectified.

--IANS

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Dumka, Jan 12 (IANS) The mobile phone of a Rajasthan High Court judge was stolen at the famous Basukinath temple in Jharkhand's Dumka on January 1, despite tight security at the spot, prompting immediate action by the police.

Within days, the case was cracked, leading to the busting of an inter-state gang of mobile thieves and the recovery of eight stolen mobile phones, including the judge's device.

According to Shyamanand Mandal, officer-in-charge of the Jarmundi police station, the theft took place during New Year’s Day at the Basukinath Dham temple, a popular pilgrimage site which attracts thousands of devotees, making it an attractive target for organised theft.

Along with the judge, several other devotees also reported stolen mobile phones. An FIR was promptly registered at the Jarmundi police station, and a special investigation team was formed under senior police officials.

Leveraging technical evidence and intelligence inputs, the team launched a series of raids across multiple locations. The first breakthrough came with the arrest of two suspects from Babupur village in the Teenpahar police station area of Sahibganj district. Their interrogation provided leads that resulted in the arrest of two more gang members from areas near the Bihar-West Bengal-Bangladesh border. In addition to the judge's mobile phone, several other stolen devices were recovered.

The investigation revealed that the arrested thieves were part of a larger inter-state mobile theft network operating out of the Tinpahar area in Sahibganj district. This region has gained notoriety as a hub for mobile theft operations, with multiple gangs running "Pathshalas" (training schools) to train children in pickpocketing and theft techniques.

After completing their training, the children are deployed to crowded places such as temples, markets, and railway stations, both locally and in big cities across the country. These operations are meticulously planned, with gang leaders assigning specific tasks and closely monitoring the young recruits.

The Tinpahar gangs have been implicated in similar incidents in the past, with police records showing that Ranchi police recently apprehended members of a similar gang from the same area.

The arrested individuals were produced in court and subsequently sent to jail. Meanwhile, the police are continuing their investigations to trace other members of the gang and recover additional stolen items.

The theft, which occurred despite the presence of heightened security measures due to the judge's visit, raises serious concerns about the safety of devotees at prominent religious sites. The police have assured the public that measures are being strengthened to prevent such incidents in the future.

--IANS

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Amaravati, Jan 12 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday appealed to the people to participate in P4 (Public-Private-People-Partnership) aimed at achieving zero poverty.

Announcing that P4 policy will be unveiled soon, he said 10 per cent of people who reached highest positions in society should extend a helping hand to uplift 20 per cent of the people who are at the bottom by utilising government programmes.

Naidu made the appeal while extending Sankranti greetings to all Telugus across the globe through social media platform X.

He believes that every house will have real festival celebrations when there are no economic imbalances.

"We have been constantly working hard to bring light in people's lives with welfare, development and good governance. We have already unveiled the Swarnandhra Vision-2047 with 10 principles with which we are making every effort to take the Telugu society to number one position in the world. The first principle in this is zero poverty," Chandrababu Naidu.

The veteran leader observed that the lifestyle of crores of people has been transformed with the reforms and the policies implemented in the combined state of Andhra Pradesh since 1995.

The P-3 (Public-Private-Partnership) system which was introduced then as part of economic reforms could generate a lot of employment and wealth, he noted.

"Even those who have come from ordinary peasant families reached high positions by utilising the opportunities provided at that time. Several sections of people have reached great heights both in the country and abroad. Those who have gone as global citizens are now rising to the stage of global leaders," the Chief Minister mentioned.

Expressing concern that lakhs of families are still reeling under acute poverty, Chandrababu Naidu said that, as per the Central census, several families in the rural and urban parts of Andhra Pradesh are still under destitution.

They are in dire straits wherein even basic amenities like drinking water, medical facilities, education and nutrition are not available to them, he said.

He said those who reached top positions in their respective fields and the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can totally transform society by being mentors, providing opportunities and by supporting some poor families whom they know well.

"I want all those who have come to their native places for the festival to focus on this, and we are ready to accept the suggestions, experiences and advice of all with regard to P-4 policy. A portal will soon be launched for this purpose to accept the suggestions of all for 30 days. Let us reach the goal of zero-poverty with the partnership of people and I make a fervent appeal to all to come forward in the process of taking the Telugu society to number one position in the world thus achieving a healthy, happy and developed Andhra Pradesh," he added.

--IANS

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Chennai, January 12 (IANS) Actor-turned-politician and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) founder Seeman on Sunday, intensified his criticism of iconic Dravidian leader, E.V.S. Ramasamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar.

Speaking to reporters, Seeman questioned Periyar’s contributions to the social revolution, contrasting them with those of Tamil Nadu’s reformers and saints like Vallalar and Vaikundar.

His controversial remarks on Periyar, during an event in Vadalur in the Cuddalore district, triggered widespread protests. In his speech, he had accused Periyar of encouraging incestuous relationships and made other provocative statements. He also criticised Periyar’s alleged remarks against the Tamil language and questioned the legitimacy of calling him a rationalist.

Following these comments, Seeman has been booked under Sections 192 (intent to cause riot) and 353/2 (false information) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), based on complaints filed by members of the Dravida Kazhagam (DK), an organisation founded by Periyar.

Seeman further alleged that Periyar had no significant connection to the cause of social justice.

This claim has sparked outrage, with protesters burning images of the NTK chief.

DK President Veeramani criticised Seeman’s remarks, stating: "To question Periyar’s rationalism, one must first ask themselves if they are rationalists."

Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam (TPDK) General Secretary K. Ramakrishnan attempted to march to Seeman’s residence along with his cadres, demanding evidence of the allegations. However, the police intervened and stopped the march.

Leaders from various political parties, including DMK ministers Duraimurugan and Sekar Babu, VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan, and state Congress President K. Selvaperunthagai, condemned Seeman’s statements.

However, state BJP President K. Annamalai expressed support for Seeman, saying: "I can provide evidence of the books where Periyar made such statements. However, I believe such discussions should not be held publicly as they may offend women and children." He also alleged that many of Periyar’s controversial books had been destroyed over time due to their contents.

On the other hand, BJP ally, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss strongly defended Periyar. Without directly referring to Seeman’s remarks, he said: "Slandering Periyar is unacceptable. If Mahatma Gandhi is the hero of India’s freedom struggle, Periyar is the leader of Tamil Nadu’s social freedom movement."

Ramadoss highlighted Periyar’s role in pressuring the government to increase reservations to 31 per cent, which he described as a pivotal contribution to social justice.

"While everyone has the freedom to critique Periyar’s ideology, baseless slander cannot be tolerated," he added.

As of now, over 60 cases have been registered against Seeman across Tamil Nadu in districts such as Cuddalore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli for his remarks.

Seeman, however, remains defiant, asserting that LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran was the only leader who truly defended women’s rights. He also challenged parties to gather votes using Periyar’s name, claiming his own success in winning 32 lakh votes in the previous Assembly elections in the state was by evoking the name of Prabhakaran.

The controversy continues to escalate, with protests and legal actions dominating the political landscape in Tamil Nadu.

--IANS

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