Regional

Chennai, Nov 16 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the rains would take a back seat in Tamil Nadu till Saturday.

However, the weather department is keenly monitoring the development of a fresh low-pressure area developing over the Bay of Bengal.

The IMD said that the low-pressure area is likely to form over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and Andaman Area on Wednesday. This could develop into a depression by November 18 leading to rains from Saturday.

Localised rains till the weekend across the state are also on the cards. Chennai will have light to moderate rains with thunderstorms in some areas.

Tamil Nadu Water Works Department is working round the clock to complete the stormwater drain linked to the Adayar river as the inadequate capacity of these drains led to certain areas getting flooded.

Meanwhile, Municipal administration minister, K.N. Nehru, and minister for MSME T. Anbarasan paid a visit to the Adayar areas where the water flooding had taken place and directed officials for speeding up stormwater drain works.

--IANS
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Kanpur (UP), Nov 16 (IANS) A man has been sentenced to ten years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 in a case of attempt to murder.

Additional session judge, Kanpur Nagar, Rekha Singh pronounced this sentence for the accused Surendra Kumar Upadhyaya.

Further, the court acquitted Surendra Kumar from charges framed under sections 392/394/397/398 of IPC for want of evidence.

The accused had shot at one Rajendra Prasad over a family dispute. The doctors extracted the bullet from his left shoulder.

The accused was charged under section 307 of the IPC. Regarding the quantum of sentence, the defence counsel pleaded that since the accused had been in jail for the last 6 years and 8 months and was the lone earning member of the family, he should be given minimum sentence.

The prosecution, on the other hand, demanded maximum sentence as the accused had committed a major offence.

According to Additional District Government Counsel (ADGC) Pradeep Bajpai, the victim's father, in his complaint lodged on August 6, 2012 at the Barra police station, stated that his son Rajendra Prasad Upadhyaya was returning from Jaunpur district on August 6, 2012 when four motor cycle borne people: Arvind Upadhyaya, Surendra Upadhyaya, Nagendra Kumar and Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya accosted him and robbed him of his mobile phone, a chain, a ring and a bag and then opened fire with an intention to kill him leaving him injured.

Police registered a case and filed a chargesheet against the accused.

According to the ADGC, the three co-accused had been convicted in 2018.

Since Surendra Upadhyaya was absconding, his file was separated and the court sentenced the three co-accused in 2018. Later, Surendra was arrested and his trial was conducted separately, the ADGC said.

--IANS
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Bengaluru, Nov 16 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the silver jubilee edition of the Bengaluru Technological Summit (BTS 22) on Wednesday.

Pegged as Asia's prime technological event, the three-day event is being held at the Bengaluru Palace grounds.

The summit will witness not less than 9 MoUs and the launch of over 20 products. Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai will mark the occasion by releasing a plaque.

More than 575 exhibitors and startups from 16 states are participating in the summit.

The inauguration ceremony will be graced by the presence of global leaders viz. H.E Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic (virtual).

H.E.Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, UAE; H.E. Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia; H.E Petri Honkonen,A Minister of Science and Culture, Finland and Martin Schroeter, Chairman and CEO, Kyndryl USA will also be present.

Naveen Tewari, Founder & CEO, Inmobi, India's first unicorn is also expected to participate.

Over 350 experts of international repute will throw light on recent technological developments in the conference themed "Tech4NextGen". About 5000 entrepreneurs are expected to visit the summit.

The event organised by the department of IT/BT in association with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) comprises about 75 sessions classified under IOT/Deeptech, biotech, startup, GIA-1 and GIA- 2.

The deliberations in sessions will focus upon domains like artificial intelligence, big data, semiconductor, machine learning, 5G, robotics, fintech, gene editing, medi tech, space tech, bio fuels sustainability and e-mobility.

Sessions under GIA will witness participation of more than 15 countries including Japan, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, The USA, Lithuania, Canada.

These countries will draw attention towards their technological expertise. Besides, they would also express their areas of interest to collaborate with Indian industry.

--IANS
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Lucknow, Nov 16 (IANS) The Lucknow police have arrested a man who allegedly attempted to rape an 11-year-old girl at King George's Medical University (KGMU) here.

Chowk Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) I.P. Singh said that the accused, Satyendra, was attending to an elderly person at the hospital, where the girl's father was also admitted. Both the patients were sharing a ward, Singh added.

He said that the girl alleged that the accused followed her to the toilet, where he sexually harassed her. The accused fled when she shouted out for help.

The ACP said the police have registered an FIR for an attempt to rape, molestation and illegal confinement against the accused.

--IANS
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By Praveen Dwivedi
Bhopal, Nov 16 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the PESA Act-1996 along with some amended rules is being implemented in the state to empower the people of tribal community.


The Chief Minister made the remarks while addressing a gathering of tribal community at state sponsored 'Janjatiya Garav Diwas' event, which was being observed to mark birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda on Tuesday.

Chouhan claimed that his government has introduced several tribal specific schemes in the state and the implementation of PESA Act "today is the pride day for all of us".

Introducing the act at a time when just almost a year left for the state assembly elections, the ruling BJP will be eying tribal votes that account for 21.1 per cent in the state

Chouhan said, "PESA Act is not against anyone, we are introducing it considering social harmony."

It was the second edition of the mega event - 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' organised by the BJP government, the first one was organised in 2021, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced one-and-a-half dozen tribal centric schemes of both Centre as well as the state government.

As the tribal population has a crucial role to play in Madhya Pradesh's politics, both the Congress and the BJP take on each other on tribal issues. The Congress also organised a tribal programme in Chhindwara, the home district of state Congress president Kamal Nath.

Former Chief Minister Nath, during the Congress' event, did not forget to mention that the PESA Act was "framed during the Congress rule in the state". He even questioned the BJP that "why the act was not implemented when it was framed in 1996".

The Congress has been questioning the timing of implementation of PESA Act and other tribal centric schemes implemented by Shivraj-led government since last year. "The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh for the last 17 years, but did nothing for the tribal community and now when the elections have arrived, they are making tall claims to use tribals for their political benefits. In the last assembly elections, tribal and entire people of Madhya Pradesh have shown them the exit door, this is reason why they are in panic mode and trying to grab the power by making false promises now," Nath said.

To woo tribal voters in upcoming assembly elections, scheduled to be held in December 2023, both the parties have geared up since the past few months. A series of meetings are being organised by both the national parties at different districts.

Reacting to allegations made by the Congress on tribal issues, state BJP president and Khajuraho MP V.D. Sharma said, "Congress should explain why the PESA Act wasn't implemented when it was made in 1996. They (Congress) did not do it and now when the BJP government is doing for the betterment of tribals, why are they are having pain in stomach," Sharma had said on Monday.

Importantly, the state BJP under the leadership of Chief Minister Chouhan came with a "master stroke" to organise - 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' in 2021, three years after it could fetch victory on just 16 (out of the 47) seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the state. The BJP's tally in these reserved seats was 31 in 2013 and 29 in 2008.

The Congress in 2018 had won 24 ST seats, compared to 18 in 2013 and 10 in 2008.

The BJP has intiated the massive tribal outreach programme strategically in September 2021 during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit in Jabalpur, has announced the establishment of a museum dedicated to Gond freedom fighter Raghunath Shah and his son Shankar Shah. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah visited Bhopal in 2021 to attend the first edition of 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' and had announced over one-and-a-half dozen tribal-centric schemes, including delivery of free food grains at door step in tribal areas.

Now, with the stage set for the next assembly elections, on one hand Chouhan would be probably seen making all efforts to prove that his image as 'mama' still has existence among the people of the state and he is still the strongest and the most popular BJP leader in the state. While, on the other, the Congress led by Nath would be seen making all possible efforts to come back to power in 2023. For that, both the sides are leaving no stone unturned in wooing the voters from tribal communities.

--IANS
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Panaji, Nov 15 (IANS) The Crime Branch of Goa Police on Tuesday arrested 5 persons for allegedly stealing rice and wheat from Civil Supply Department's godown for smuggling in Karnataka, officials said.

Two other accused persons are absconding, the police said.

The police have seized 761 rice bags and 253 bags containing wheat in this connection.

The raids were conducted at three locations, including Fair Price Shop, in Ponda Taluka of South Goa.

Police has said that the accused persons were smuggling rice bags and wheat bags stolen from Civil Supply godowns from Goa.

The arrested individuals have been identified Hazrat Sayyed, Vinay Kumar Gudimani, Prakash Korishetter, Tausif Mulla and Ramkumar.

Accused persons Sachin Naik and Virendra Mardholkar are absconding.

According to police, Prakash Korrishetter was supposed to take the wheat and rice to Belgavi in Karnataka.

In this connection, three different cases were registered under section 380 r/w 120 B, 130 B and 120 IPC.

In the backdrop of various raids conducted by the Crime Branch, Civil Supply Minister Ravi Naik said his department is not responsible if beneficiaries sell rice and wheat to outsiders.

"I am not aware if someone has sold it to Karnataka. We are not responsible if anyone (beneficiary) purchases rice and wheat from Fair Price Shop and then sells it to outsiders. We take care that it (stealing) should not happen in our godowns and at FPS," Naik said.

--IANS
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Chennai, Nov 15 (IANS) This is that time of the year when the Vedathangal bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in the country, welcomes scores of migratory birds from different corners of the world.

According to bird watchers, around 5,000 migratory birds have arrived at the sanctuary this year so far.

Suralirajan M.R., an avid bird watcher, told IANS, "It's a treat to watch the arrival of migratory birds who traverse thousands of miles to reach here. This season, around 5,000 birds have arrived at the Vedathangal sanctuary so far."

He said that a large number of bird watchers, students and visitors will flock to the Vedathangal sanctuary in the days to come. According to the keen bird watcher, spot-billed pelicans and open-billed storks arrive first.

Spoon-billed storks have also arrived at the sanctuary in the past five days, and they are mostly feeding from the Madurantakam lake and the nearby paddy fields. After the recent heavy rains, the Vedathangal tank has filled up to 12 feet against its capacity of 16 feet.

Fulvous whistling ducks will be arriving in large numbers by the beginning of December after traversing thousands of miles though the Central Asian region.

--IANS
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Patna, Nov 15 (IANS) The December 5 by-election to Kurhani Assembly seat in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district has taken a new turn after the entry of Mukesh Sahani-led Vikassheel Insan Party into the contest.

While the main contenders are JD-U's Manoj Kushwaha and BJP's Kedar Gupta, Sahani has given the ticket to Nilabh Kumar, an upper caste (Bhumihar) candidate to make the contest either triangular or become a "Vote Katwa" (vote-cutter) for the BJP.

VIP state chief Balgovind Bind announced the name of Nilabh Kumar on Tuesday.

Nilabh Kumar's selection seems to be a tactical ploy by Sahani to cut the vote bank of BJP's traditional upper caste voters to take revenge.

The VIP won 4 seats in the 2020 Assembly election. After the demise of Musafir Paswan, one of Sahani's four MLAs, the BJP refused to give the Bochahan seat to the VIP or ticket to his son Amar Paswan. The RJD immediately swung in to field Amar Paswan in the bypoll and he won.

The BJP also broke the VIP by inducting its remaining three MLAs into the party. Sahani then said that he will take revenge.

In Kurhani, the Bhumihar community, which is known to traditionally support the BJP, has around 40,000 voters. Besides, the Sahani (fisherman) community also has over 30,000 votes. Sahani, who has a good hold in his own community, will seek to cut into Bhumihar votes with his candidate.

In the recently-held Mokama and Gopalganj bypolls, the Bhumihar community had given votes to Neelam Devi, wife of Bahubali leader Anant Singh. The margin of defeat for RJD candidate Mohan Gupta in Gopalganj was also 1,794 vote, with the AIMIM and BSP candidates cutting the Muslim-Yadav votes. Hence, the entry of Sahani is interesting here.

Meanwhile, in the Kurhani, AIMIM has given the ticket to a Muslim candidate probably to cut into the votes of the JD-U's ally RJD.

The role of smaller parties like VIP and AIMIM has become interesting, as they may not be able to win the seat themselves but create headaches for other major parties.

--IANS
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Mysuru, Nov 15 (IANS) After being warned by Hindu activists and the BJP MP for Mysuru Kodagu Pratap Simha, authorities in Karnataka have changed the shape of dome-like structures atop bus stops in the city.

The activists and the MP claimed that the three domes, one big and two smaller ones, had given the bus stops the look of a mosque.

The authorities have now erected a "kalash" (sacred pot) on the domes overnight.

The bus stops are located in Mysuru's Krishnaraja Assembly constituency.

The MP had given a deadline of four days to bring down the dome-like structures.

He added that if they were not demolished, he would do it himself with a JCB.

--IANS
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Bengaluru, Nov 15 (IANS) Karnataka Congress has launched a campaign against the state government's "Viveka Scheme" under which newly-built classrooms will be painted in saffron colour.

The Congress started the campaign with the hashtag "CM Uncle" and urged Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to first build toilets for children instead of painting the classrooms.

Through the campaign, the Congress has posed questions to Bommai on behalf of school children.

"Throughout the state there is a lack of infrastructure in schools. The children are struggling without toilets. CM Uncle, before painting school buildings in saffron, first build toilets, give us hygienic drinking water and facilities that would attract children to schools," the party tweeted.

The Congress also said that the state government is implementing the scheme in the name Swami Vivekananda who was responsible for the industrial and scientific revolution in the country, but the Chief Minister is not "forthcoming with implementing programmes which inculcate scientific temperament in students".

"There is no good teaching, no proper midday meal, what action are you going to take? The scheme to give eggs to malnourished children is not being implemented properly. Take action to distribute eggs, do not give room for corruption in purchasing eggs also," the party added.

Under the "Viveka Scheme", 8,100 classrooms will will be painted in saffron colour.

Besides this, the BJP-led Karnataka government is also set to start meditation classes for primary, high school and class 11 and 12 students.

--IANS
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