Regional

Ranchi, Jan 12 (IANS) The Delhi and Jharkhand Police have uncovered a plan to establish a training camp for the terrorist organisation Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) on Nakata Hill, located at the border of Ranchi and Latehar districts in Jharkhand.

This revelation emerged during the interrogation of AQIS operatives arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Delhi Police's Special Cell and the Jharkhand Police's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) two days ago.

Shahbaz Ansari, a key operative arrested two days ago from the Senha police station area of Lohardaga, provided crucial information about AQIS's activities in Jharkhand during the interrogation.

The mastermind behind the AQIS plans in the region was Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed, a radiologist at a private hospital in Ranchi. Dr Ahmed, who was apprehended by the Delhi Police Special Cell in August, had formed a terror module named the "Ranchi Radical Group" (RRG) to recruit and train individuals for extremist activities.

The raid in August last year had also uncovered AQIS's plans to expand its influence across multiple Indian states, including Jharkhand.

Ansari revealed that the module primarily targeted less-educated and working-class persons, who were indoctrinated to join the AQIS. He has also disclosed the names of several other suspects, prompting ATS efforts to gather further intelligence on these individuals.

To indoctrinate recruits, AQIS provided various propaganda materials and speeches. Four individuals from Jharkhand were sent to Rajasthan for training in handling weapons and planning attacks. Upon their return, a plan was in place to establish a training camp under their supervision in Ranchi.

In connection with this case, several arrests have been made so far, including Dr Ahmed (Ranchi), Faizan Ahmed (Hazaribagh), Mohd Modavir, Mohd Rizwan, Mufti Rahmatullah Majhiri, Matiur Rahman, Iltaf Ansari, and Enamul Ansari.

These arrests were made from the Chanho police station area in Ranchi.

Investigations are still going on to dismantle the terror network and prevent further activities in the region.

The AQIS is a regional branch of Al Qaeda, active in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The group has been involved in various terrorist activities and plots, posing a major threat to regional stability and security.

Authorities are intensifying their efforts to dismantle AQIS networks and prevent further attempts to radicalise vulnerable individuals.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 12 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday blamed lack of ideology and student politics for increasing defections. Stating that leaders are changing parties for posts, he underlined the need for ideological student politics.

Students who follow party ideology will always be loyal to the political organisation, he said.

The Chief Minister was addressing at an event to release former Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao’s autobiography ‘UNIKA’ Revanth Reddy was all praise for Vidyasagar Rao strictly following the ideology while in student politics at Osmania University.

He lauded the contributions of Vidyasagar Rao as governor of two states and said he upheld the honour of Telangana.

It is commendable that Vidyasagar Rao spent five decades in active politics without facing a single allegation and he stands as an ideal for the Telangana society, he said.

The Chief Minister lamented the falling standards of universities and said they were on the verge of losing their sheen and existence. It is imperative that students should be active in politics in the universities, he said.

He claimed that soon after assuming office, he took the decision to bring back the glory of universities. University students played an important role during the Telangana movement.

The active role played by students in politics resulted in the formation of Telangana state, he said. The Chief Minister urged Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other BJP and BRS leaders to help in getting the Centre’s approval for the expansion of Hyderabad Metro.

He pointed out that when the first phase of Hyderabad Metro was completed, it had the second-longest Metro network in the country, but now it has fallen to ninth place.

Stating that Hyderabad is not competing with Amaravati but with the world, he stressed the need for Metro expansion.

He mentioned that 60 per cent of Telangana's income comes from Hyderabad and reiterated his ambition to make Telangana a trillion dollar economy.

The Chief Minister said he had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sanction regional ring road and regional ring rail to develop Hyderabad as a global city.

He also urged the Centre allot a dry port to Telangana as it is a landlocked state. He said the Centre should also complete the Kazipet Railway Coach Factory at the earliest.

Stating that he has no differences with anyone, Revanth Reddy said he would meet everyone and seek everybody's cooperation for the development of Telangana.

Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya said he worked with Vidyasagar Rao for 40 years. He stated that Vidyasagar Rao worked hard to strengthen ABVP and BJP in the state.

He recalled Vidyasagar Rao’s efforts to underscore the importance of Godavari waters for Telangana.

Vidyasagar Rao stated that leaders irrespective of the parties they belong to have nationalist sentiments.

He said harnessing the potential of youth was the challenge before today’s leaders.

He praised Revanth Reddy for coming out with the idea of ‘HYDRA’ to save lakes and natural bodies.

He called for a similar body to solve the problem faced by tribals with regard to their lands.

--IANS

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Ranchi, Jan 12 (IANS) Paddy procurement at government centres in many districts of Jharkhand has come to a standstill, leaving thousands of farmers returning empty-handed daily.

This crisis has arisen due to storage issues at PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) and LAMPS (Large Area Multi-Purpose Societies). Overloaded warehouses are unable to accommodate more paddy, as rice millers have not been lifting stock from these centres.

Additionally, server downtime and technical glitches have further slowed the procurement process in some areas.

In districts such as Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Garhwa, Chaibasa, Chatra, Ramgarh, Ranchi, Jamtara, Giridih, Latehar, Godda, Pakur, Deoghar, Sahibganj, Gumla, and Khunti, only 8 to 40 per cent of the targeted paddy has been purchased so far.

The Joint Secretary of the Food Supply, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Department recently expressed concern in a letter to the Deputy Commissioners of 12 districts, urging immediate action to address the slow pace of procurement in the state.

In Hazaribagh, most PACS and LAMPS have stopped purchasing due to full warehouses.

BJP MLA Manoj Kumar Yadav, representing Barhi Assembly constituency, raised the issue in a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. He highlighted that paddy procurement in the district has been halted for nearly a month, allowing middlemen to exploit the situation by purchasing paddy from farmers at prices far below the government rate.

Government centres offer a fixed rate of Rs 2,400 per quintal (including bonuses) for paddy. However, middlemen are reportedly paying Rs 1,800 to Rs 1,900 per quintal, further distressing farmers.

The Jharkhand government had set up 699 paddy procurement centres across the state, starting operations on December 15. The target for this year is to procure 60 lakh quintals of paddy. Despite over 2.4 lakh farmers registering to sell their produce, procurement has been halted at many centres.

This year, the government estimated a total paddy production of 41.38 lakh tonnes, cultivated over 15.48 lakh hectares. In comparison, the state produced 32.10 lakh tonnes in 2023.

Immediate intervention is required to resolve storage and logistical challenges, ensuring fair procurement for farmers and preventing further exploitation by middlemen.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, is set to inaugurate 40 livestock projects worth more than Rs 545 crore on Monday.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is organising an ‘Entrepreneurship Development Conclave’ in Pune where the Union Minister will be the Chief Guest, it was announced on Sunday.

The objective of the event is to unite policymakers, federations, cooperatives, industry associations, entrepreneurs and financial institutions to unlock the potential of the livestock sector.

“It provides a platform to the stakeholders to discuss challenges, share solutions, promote entrepreneurship, provide value addition and sustainable practices to catalyse growth for the sector,” said the ministry.

The government is implementing flagship schemes such as the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) with an outlay of Rs 29,110.25 crore and National Livestock Mission (NLM) with an outlay of Rs 2,300 crore.

“By showcasing opportunities under NLM and AHIDF, the conclave seeks to drive inclusive growth and empower rural farmers and small enterprises,” the ministry informed.

The conclave will also entail the inauguration of the National Livestock Mission - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM - EDP) Dashboard that provides an organised summary of key information of the entire project to the public.

The event will also see the release of National Livestock Mission Operational Guidelines 2.0 and success story booklets.

The conclave will also have panel discussions that will witness participation from government, industry leaders along with financial institutions, banks, cooperatives, and representatives from federations and industry associations.

The Cabinet-approved National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) scheme also marks a transformative shift in Indian agriculture.

The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 2,481 crore of which the government of India's share is Rs 1,584 crore while the state share is Rs 897 crore, till the 15th Finance Commission (2025-26).

The government has launched the NMNF to promote natural farming in a mission mode across the country under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.

—IANS

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Srinagar, Jan 12 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Sunday that over 100 bank accounts linked to drug peddlers have been frozen in the Srinagar district.

A police statement said, "Srinagar Police have intensified financial investigations into multiple narcotic smuggling cases leading to the freezing of more than 100 bank accounts linked to drug traffickers."

The seized accounts collectively contain deposits amounting to several lakhs of rupees, the police said, adding that all transactions associated with the accounts are under detailed scrutiny to trace the flow of illicit funds.

The police said that the freezing of these accounts has effectively blocked access to financial resources used by drug trafficking networks.

The accused have been arrested in connection with cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Srinagar District.

Those apprehended have been involved in the trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances, posing a significant threat to the community, particularly the youth.

"Comprehensive investigations, conducted under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, have led to the freezing of these bank accounts containing substantial sums, prima-facie identified as proceeds of illegal narcotics trade. Furthermore, moveable and immovable properties valued at crores of rupees, found to be acquired through these illicit activities, have been attached under the applicable legal framework," it said.

"This action has been set into motion under Section 68F(2) of the NDPS Act. Jammu and Kashmir Police remain steadfast in its commitment to combating the menace of drug abuse and trafficking," the statement said.

The police asked the public to join hands in fighting the drug menace by providing any information related to drug peddling or drug abuse.

The police requested the public to contact their nearest police station or dial 112 to report drug-related suspicious activities.

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 12 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on Sunday criticised Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over his ‘chlidish’ jibe, saying the latter’s arrogance was not appropriate.

The Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan, in a post on the social media platform X, said: “Stalin asserts that insisting on due respect for the National Anthem and performing the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution is ‘absurd’ and ‘childish.’ Thanks for betraying the true intentions of the coalition of interests and ideologies to which he is a leader that does not accept or respect Bharat as a nation and Her Constitution.”

“Such arrogance is not good. Please do not forget that Bharat is the supreme Mother, and the Constitution is the supreme faith for her children. They will not like or tolerate such brazen insults,” Governor R.N. Ravi added.

The Governor’s response came a day after Chief Minister Stalin criticised him, calling his decision to skip the customary Assembly address “childish.” The controversy began on January 6 when Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the Tamil Nadu Assembly without delivering the customary inaugural address.

According to the Raj Bhavan, the Governor left “in deep anguish” because the National Anthem was not played.

In his rebuttal during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, Stalin alleged that Ravi’s actions stemmed from his inability to “digest” Tamil Nadu’s progress.

He remarked: “The Tamil Nadu Assembly has been witnessing strange scenes ever since Ravi assumed office as Governor. In 2022, he delivered his address without altering the speech, but in the following years, he avoided the customary address, citing absurd reasons.”

Stalin further stated, “I may be an ordinary person, but this Legislative Assembly came into existence because of the aspirations of crores of people. I believe the Governor cannot tolerate the state’s development.”

--IANS

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Chennai, Jan 12 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu BJP has demanded an unconditional apology from Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for allegedly reneging on his promise to abolish the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

BJP state secretary S.G. Suryah accused Udhayanidhi Stalin of “shamelessly lying” to the people of Tamil Nadu during the 2021 Assembly election campaign. He stated that Udhayanidhi had assured voters that abolishing NEET would be the DMK government’s priority.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Suryah said, “Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin made a promise to the people of Tamil Nadu that his first signature as a minister would abolish NEET. However, he has failed to deliver on that promise.”

The BJP leader called for an unconditional apology from Udhayanidhi for what he termed a blatant “U-turn” on the issue. He also clarified that the central government has no role in implementing NEET, as it is a directive of the Supreme Court.

Suryah welcomed a recent statement by Vijay, actor-turned-politician and president of the Tamilaga Vettai Kazhagam (TVK), who criticised the DMK government for failing to abolish NEET.

In a social media post on Saturday, Vijay accused the DMK of deceiving the people with false promises. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has now admitted that only the Union government has the authority to scrap NEET. Vijay said, “This is a significant social and political issue for Tamil Nadu. During the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK promised to abolish NEET if returned to power. However, they knew fully well that this decision could only be taken by the central government.”

Vijay further alleged that the DMK made these assurances purely to garner votes and criticized the ruling party for not fulfilling its promises after coming to power. He said, “How long will they deceive us in our own country?”

The TVK leader also highlighted that NEET was a major campaign issue in 2021. “The DMK promised to cancel the exam, claiming they had a plan to do so. Now they admit only the central government can abolish NEET. Isn’t this a betrayal of the people who voted for them?” Vijay remarked.

In a statement on Friday, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin told the Tamil Nadu Assembly that NEET would have been abolished if the INDIA alliance had captured power at the Centre. However, he acknowledged that only the Central government has the authority to scrap the exam.

CM Stalin also reminded Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami that during the regimes of Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa, NEET was not there. He argued that the exam was introduced only during the tenure of Palaniswami’s government.

S.G. Suryah further stated, “If anyone wants to get away from NEET, they should approach the Supreme Court, not the Central government.”

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Jan 12 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday launched premium bus services from four cities -- Puri, Sambalpur, Bhawanipatna and Berhampur -- for Ayodhya via Varanasi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh for the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The special pilgrim buses to the holy places have been started by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), the state-owned public transport operator, under the Transport & Commerce Department of Odisha.

More than 200 devotees from different parts of Odisha on Sunday left for the Maha Kumbh Mela on these special buses equipped with all advanced amenities.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Majhi said that Ardha Kumbha is held every six years while the Purna Kumbha is observed every 12 years at Prayagraj. However, the Maha Kumbh Mela is going to be celebrated at the Prayagraj this year after a gap of 144 years.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is going to be held at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh from January 13 to February 26. Lakhs of devotees and saints will throng Prayagraj to attend the grand fair this year.

"Thousands of devotees from Odisha also go on pilgrimage to Prayagraj and take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam (the holy confluence of rivers -- Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) whenever Kumbh Mela takes place. As this holy Maha Kumbh Mela fair is going to be held for a long period between January 13 and February 26, I request all to go to Prayagraj on the holy pilgrimage,” stated the CM.

CM Majhi said that the Odisha government has made several arrangements to ensure a safe journey for the pilgrims using the premium bus services offered by OSRTC. Two buses will run up and down on each route. All the necessary arrangements for short-term accommodations at designated places on the routes have also been made by the OSRTC.

CM Majhi also informed that the bus fare has been halved for women pilgrims. He said that a live vehicle tracking system, panic buttons, and an advanced driver assistance system have been set up in the pilgrim buses. Managers are deployed on each bus to ensure the travellers do not face any problems during the journey.

This apart, tents have been erected at the Prayagraj for the pilgrims and tour guides have been engaged to guide the pilgrims there.

A 24x7 help desk has been opened at the OSRTC office here for the pilgrims visiting Maha Kumbh Mela. The pilgrims can also seek assistance by calling 1800 345 1122 or reaching out via WhatsApp at 78490 52205.

Additionally, OSRTC staff have been deployed in Prayagraj to provide all support to the devotees there. Pilgrims can book tickets in advance through the OSRTC website (osrtc.org), mobile app, or at OSRTC ticket counters. The Chief Minister also said that the OSRTC is starting the long-distance journey of over 2,500 km for the first time.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Dec 18 (IANS) Amid rumours of change in leadership, Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday at his office in New Delhi and sought his blessings on the occasion of completion of one term in office.

After the meeting, Vijayendra stated, “I met the Honourable Prime Minister to seek his blessings on completing one year of taking charge as state President. The invaluable moments spent with Prime Minister Modi today have given us rays of inspiration for strengthening the party and contributing to the nation's progress.”

“The guidance and blessings received from him have filled us with boundless enthusiasm to strengthen the party in the state. His words during today’s meeting inspired us to design programmes that encourage greater youth participation, not only strengthening the organisation but also contributing to the nation-building process,” Vijayendra stated.

“Our esteemed Prime Minister, who has dedicated himself to building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) with a great resolve and the dedication of a selfless achiever, serves as a constant source of inspiration for workers like us. His work ethic continuously energizes us,” he stated.

The meeting has assumed importance in the backdrop of a section of leadership in the BJP claiming that Vijayendra would be replaced in January.

Senior BJP leader and MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, senior MLAs Ramesh Jarkiholi, Arvind Bellad, MLC C.T. Ravi, Union Ministers of State Shobha Karandlaje and V. Somanna and other senior leaders are miffed with the functioning of Vijayendra, according to sources.

One of the senior RSS functionaries who is kept out of state politics following the insistence of former CM B.S. Yediyurappa is also working against Vijayendra.

Former Chief Ministers and BJP MPs Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar are also not keen on Vijayendra overtaking them, sources in the BJP stated.

All opponents are using MLA Yatnal to challenge and issue humiliating statements against Vijayendra and his father Yediyurappa.

Despite the warning from the party high command, MLA Yatnal had launched fresh attacks on Vijayendra and Yediyurappa on Tuesday.

Following the defeat in the recently-concluded bye-elections for three Assembly constituencies, MLA Yatnal had attacked that father and son (Yediyurappa and Vijayendra) should take the responsibility.

However, supporters of Vijayendra claim that he is emerging steadily as the mass leader who can deliver results for the party in the state and if the party fails to groom him, it will suffer.

The party has not been able to produce a mass leader after Yediyurappa who could match the stature of opponents like Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

--IANS

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