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Jaipur, March 29 (IANS) Tension brewed in Jaipur on Saturday after folk deity Veer Tejaji Maharaj's statue was vandalised in Pratap Nagar, Sector-3.

Some anti-social elements damaged the statue inside the Tejaji temple on Friday night, sparking massive outrage among Hindu organisations and residents.

On Saturday, hundreds of devotees, along with members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, staged a demonstration on Jaipur-Tonk Road, burning tyres and demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits.

To control the situation, the police resorted to lathi-charge, dispersed the protesters, and detained several individuals.

Many markets in Sanganer and Pratap Nagar remained closed as a mark of protest.

The administration has deployed a heavy police force across the area and has urged people to maintain peace.

Officials have assured strict action against those responsible for disturbing communal harmony.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condemned the incident, stating: "Vandalising the statue of Veer Tejaji Maharaj is highly condemnable. Tampering with public sentiments and faith is unacceptable. The government must identify the culprits at the earliest and take strict action. Strong security arrangements should be made to protect religious places and prevent such incidents in the future."

State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra also denounced the act, saying: "This is an attempt to spread animosity in society. Such misdeeds by anti-social elements will not be tolerated. The Rajasthan government must take firm action against the culprits."

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Tika Ram Jully echoed similar sentiments, emphasising, "This is not just an attack on a statue but on our faith and heritage. The government must take immediate cognisance of this, ensure the arrest of the culprits, and strengthen security at religious sites."

MP Hanuman Beniwal criticised the police lathi-charge on protesters, stating: "While the Jaipur Police Commissioner and top officials were ready to engage in dialogue with the agitated public, the police crackdown on Rashtriya Loktantrik Party workers and youth - especially from the Jat community - at the behest of the Chief Minister is unacceptable."

To maintain order, police have intensified security arrangements across the affected areas.

Police have begun reviewing CCTV footage to identify the culprits and assured swift action.

SP Tejaswini Gautam visited the protest site and urged people to cooperate, stating: "Whoever is responsible for this act - whether intentional or by anti-social elements - will be caught soon. We request protesters to clear the area so that we can focus on the investigation. Also, on public demand, a similar statue of Veer Tejaji will be installed soon."

Meanwhile, authorities are monitoring the situation closely, urging locals to maintain peace while the investigation progresses.

--IANS

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Greater Noida, March 29 (IANS) The 138th Board meeting of the Greater Noida Authority concluded on Saturday, where a budget of Rs 5,600 crore for the financial year 2025-26 was approved. The meeting was chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and the Chairman of the Authority, Manoj Kumar Singh.

The budget prioritises land acquisition, development, and construction activities. According to the approved budget, Rs 1,400 crore will be allocated for land acquisition, and Rs 1,973 crore will be given for development projects.

The CEO of the Authority, N.G. Ravi Kumar, said that in response to the demands of industrial investors, the 2025-26 budget focuses on land acquisition. The budget also includes investment in projects such as a stadium in Greater Noida West, a synthetic track at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, Metro construction, vendor markets, hospitals, and health centres.

The Board also approved an average 5 per cent increase in the current rates of industrial, residential, commercial, and institutional properties. This increase is based on market rates and the rates obtained from e-auctions. Under the policy formed on the recommendations of the Amitabh Kant Committee, 77 out of 98 builder projects have benefited. So far, 35,494 flats have been registered, and 40,003 flats have been issued completion certificates.

The plan to develop Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium as a Centre for Excellence was also approved, which will provide sports facilities for the public. In view of the growing traffic in Greater Noida West, the Board approved the construction of an elevated road from Sector-4 to NH-24, passing through Shahberi. The estimated cost of this project is Rs 400 crore.

Under the PM Gati Shakti scheme, a cargo terminal will be developed on 260 acres of land near the ICD in Dadri, which will generate over 15,000 employment opportunities.

The Board also approved leasing space for the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Western Sydney University, and a commercial court in Greater Noida. To strengthen fire services in the region, fire equipment worth Rs 29.48 crore will be purchased, including robot fire trucks, foam tenders, high-rise firefighting vehicles, and other equipment.

Three working women’s hostels will be built in Greater Noida, with land being leased at Rs 1 per year. Empty flats built by the Greater Noida Authority will be rented out to CRPF personnel stationed at the Noida Airport. Some flats will also be allocated to government departments.

In a major relief to flat buyers, the Board decided to suspend the Rs 100 per day penalty for delayed registration for three months.

--IANS

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Chennai, March 29 (IANS) Powerloom weavers in Tamil Nadu have expressed dissatisfaction with the recent wage hike announced by the state government for the production of sarees and dhotis distributed during the Pongal festival.

While the weavers welcomed the increase, they said it fell short of their expectations and failed to address their long-pending demands.

The Tamil Nadu government recently revised wages for powerloom weavers engaged in producing sarees and dhotis supplied to Public Distribution System (PDS) cardholders during Pongal.

Handlooms and Textiles Minister R. Gandhi, in a discussion in the State Legislative Assembly, had announced that the wages for producing one saree had been increased from Rs 43.01 to Rs 46.75, while for a dhoti, it had gone up from Rs 24 to Rs 26.40.

Wages for school uniform production were also revised: for drill-type material, from Rs 5.76 to Rs 6.40 per metre, and for casement-type material, from Rs 5.60 to Rs 6.16 per metre.

However, leaders of powerloom workers’ associations have voiced disappointment, stating that the hike is significantly lower than their demands. They had expected a 30 per cent increase, but the revised rates reflect only a 10 per cent hike for dhotis and 8 per cent for sarees.

R. Raja, leader of the Tamil Nadu Federation of Power loom Associations, urged the government to revisit the wage structure and implement a more reasonable increase.

He pointed out that the last wage revision for Pongal textiles was done in 2019, while school uniform wages had not been updated since 2007.

Tamil Nadu is home to around 5.4 lakh powerlooms, employing over 1 million workers directly and indirectly—many of whom are women from rural backgrounds.

The powerloom sector plays a crucial role in the state’s textile economy, yet faces significant challenges.

The union leaders highlighted a deeper concern regarding the unchecked import of second-hand auto looms from countries like China over the past two decades. These auto looms, which produce the same type of fabric as powerlooms, have adversely impacted the sector.

Instead of focusing on value-added textiles, the market has become saturated with mass-produced fabrics, leading to a decline in demand for traditional powerloom products.

Currently, about 30 per cent of powerloom units in Tamil Nadu have shut down due to the lack of work, posing a serious threat to the livelihoods of thousands of workers.

The union leaders have called on both the state and Union governments to protect the powerloom industry. They urged the Centre to enact specific legislation for powerlooms, similar to the allocations made for handlooms, to ensure sustainability and equitable growth within the textile sector.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, March 29 (IANS) Pronouncing its verdict in the 2008 corruption case, a special CBI court acquitted former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Nirmal Yadav on Saturday.

The case dates back to August 2008, when a bag containing Rs 15 lakh allegedly meant for Justice Nirmal Yadav had mistakenly been delivered at the residence of Justice Nirmaljit Kaur, another High Court judge.

The verdict comes a day after the Special CBI judge heard the final arguments in the case on Friday and posted the case for pronouncement of order on March 29.

“I have not committed any crime and there is nothing incriminating found during the entire trial against me,” Justice Yadav (retd) stated in her final statement.

The relief for Justice Nirmal Yadav comes at a time when a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, Justice Yashwant Varma, is facing similar charges of ‘amassing’ unaccounted wealth.

Justice Varma was de-rostered by the Delhi HC after a directive from the Chief Justice of India (CJI) following recovery of mounds of cash from his residence. As per reports, the firemen, while dousing the fire at his Lutyens Delhi residence on March 14, discovered wads of cash allegedly in a storeroom. Justice Varma, however, strongly denied the charges, claiming that he was being "defamed and maligned".

In the 2008 case of cash at the judge’s door, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Justice Nirmal Yadav on August 16, 2008. About 10 days later, the then UT Administrator had transferred the case to the CBI, which registered a fresh FIR on August 28, 2008.

In January 2009, the CBI sought sanction to prosecute Justice Nirmal Yadav. The High Court granted the same in November 2010. The CBI’s move was challenged by Justice Yadav but was denied. Later, the President of India approved the prosecution sanction in March 2011.

CBI filed a chargesheet the same month. More than 80 witnesses were cited by the prosecution during the course of the trial.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, March 29 (IANS) Karnataka BJP has announced a series of protests and programmes across the state against the hike in milk prices, the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs, and the Muslim quota in government tenders.

BJP state chief B.Y. Vijayendra announced after a meeting at the party headquarters in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The government has increased the price of milk by Rs 4 and also decided to provide 4 per cent reservation for Muslim contractors in government tenders and 18 BJP MLAs were suspended for six months on charges of disrupting the proceedings in the house and showing disrespect to the Speaker’s Chair, who were protesting on the issue of honey trap attempt on the Congress Minister and Muslim quota.

“We have decided that on April 2, all BJP MLAs, MLCs, former MLAs, party workers, state office bearers, and district presidents will stage a day-and-night dharna against the Congress government’s decision to increase the price of milk by Rs 4,” he said.

Vijayendra further added that this is the third time the Congress government has increased milk prices, calling it an “anti-people move”. He emphasised that the party has taken the issue seriously and will continue the overnight dharna from April 2 onwards.

Regarding the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs, Vijayendra criticised Speaker U.T. Khader’s decision as “unconstitutional and undemocratic”. He announced that all BJP MLAs and MLCs will protest on April 2 before the Kengal Hanumantaiah Statue in Bengaluru and submit a representation to the Speaker.

“We demand that the Speaker must revoke the six-month suspension of 18 BJP MLAs, which is completely unconstitutional. Until the Speaker takes a decision in this regard, none of our MLAs or MLCs will attend committee meetings,” he asserted.

Another key issue raised was the Congress-led government’s decision to provide a 4 per cent Muslim quota in government tenders. Vijayendra accused the ruling Congress of engaging in minority appeasement politics and alleged that the Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was continuously insulting Hindus.

“This anti-Hindu decision will be highlighted across the state along with the Leader of the Opposition. In every district, we will inform people about how the Congress party has become a curse for Hindus. We will tour the entire state to expose their policies,” he declared.

When asked about the six-year suspension of BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Vijayendra clarified: “Our national high command gave multiple opportunities to MLA Yatnal. Two notices were issued, and enough time was provided for him to rectify his actions. Ultimately, the high command was compelled to take this decision. The question of welcoming the decision does not arise, but as the state chief, I have to respect the high command’s decision.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 29 (IANS) The Ministry of Women and Child Development on Saturday said that the government has made remarkable strides to ensure the safety and security of women across the nation with legal measures, financial allocations, and support services.

This includes the Nirbhaya Fund, a women's helpline (181) number, one-stop centers (OSCs), an emergency response support system (ERSS -112), SHe-Box, and women help desks that provide legal, medical, and psychological assistance to women.

“A multi-pronged approach integrating law enforcement, helplines, rehabilitation, and mental health support is crucial for creating a safer and more empowering environment for women,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry noted that Rs 7,712.85 crore was allocated under the Nirbhaya Fund in the financial year 2024-25, of which Rs 5,846.08 crore have been utilised -- nearly 76 per cent.

The fund supports various projects and schemes such as OSCs, ERSS, women helpline, fast track special courts (FTSCs), anti-human trafficking units (AHTUs), women help desks, cyber forensic cum training labs, safe city projects, rail and road transport safety initiatives, and the Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF) to enhance women's safety and security.

Notably, the government also provides support for women’s mental health, impacted by domestic and gender-based violence.

“Violence, especially domestic and intimate partner violence, can lead to depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, and suicide risk,” the Ministry said.

“There is a need for these services to be sensitive to the psychological needs of women facing violence and to be able to provide culturally informed and effective interventions that are context-specific,” it added.

Project Stree Manoraksha by NIMHANS provides trauma-informed care at OSCs. It focuses on training counsellors and staff, including caseworkers, administrators, paralegal and paramedical staff, and security personnel.

“This initiative ensures that women facing gender-based violence receive empathetic, evidence-based mental health care and counselling when they seek help at OSCs,” the Ministry said.

In addition, the government has implemented several crucial laws to safeguard women’s physical and mental security. These include Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023; Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956; Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006; Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 29 (IANS) Hours after a high-intensity earthquake jolted Myanmar, causing widespread devastation, India came to the quick rescue of the neighboring country by sending rescue teams and providing humanitarian aid to assist in evacuation efforts as well as comforting the displaced populace.

IAF aircraft and Navy vessels have been pressed into service to assist the quake-torn nation.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar took to X on Saturday to share pictures of the second tranche being sent to Myanmar.

“Indian Navy ships INS Satpura & INS Savitri are carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid and headed for the port of Yangon,” EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.

He also informed that an 80-member dedicated team of NDRF (National Disaster Relief Force) has been rushed to Myanmar to help with search and rescue operations.

Earlier in the day, India launched ‘Operation Brahma’, following the quake that has claimed more than 1,000 deaths so far and thousands injured.

About 15 tonnes of relief material reached Yangon this morning, via an Indian Air Force cargo plane.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared images of IAF C-130 J aircraft carrying the first tranche of humanitarian aid, including tents, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, essential medicines and more.

He said that India acted as a ‘First Responder’ in assisting the people of Myanmar affected by Friday’s massive earthquake.

“Our first tranche of 15 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential medicines, has landed in Yangon,” he wrote.

“The first consignment of relief material was formally handed over to Chief Minister of Yangon U Soe Thein by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in Yangon today,” he informed in another post.

A series of powerful earthquakes rocked Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction. Many videos of collapsing buildings surfaced on social media, gripping the netizens in fear and shock.

The devastating quake prompted many countries, including the US, to offer help to Myanmar.

--IANS

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Kolkata, March 29 (IANS) The body of an unidentified woman, suspected to be a victim of rape and murder, was recovered from a village under the Duturdaha village panchayat in the Minakhan block of Basirhat subdivision, North 24 Parganas district, on Saturday afternoon, officials said.

The woman's body was found floating in a water body within a fisheries area. When recovered, her clothes were in disarray, and multiple wounds were visible on her body.

Local residents informed the police, who retrieved the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.

The police suspect a sharp weapon may have caused the injuries. Villagers believe the condition of the body suggests sexual assault before murder.

However, authorities have not confirmed these claims.

“Whether this was a case of rape and murder or just murder will be clear only after the detailed post-mortem report is available. However, we have started our investigation and our prime task is to get to know the identity of the victim,” said a district police official.

At the same time, investigators are also determining whether the crime occurred at the site where the body was found or the crime has been committed elsewhere and thereafter the body was dumped.

Local people said that both theories are possible. “The place from where the body has been recovered is at the border of North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts and this particular spot remains deserted almost throughout the day. So it is quite possible that either the victim was raped and murdered at this spot or the crime was committed elsewhere and subsequently the body was dumped there,” a local villager told newspersons.

West Bengal has witnessed several cases of rape and murder since mid 2024, including instances involving minors. One of the most shocking incidents was the rape and murder of a woman within the premises of Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in August last year.

--IANS

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Raipur, March 29 (IANS) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the state is moving towards Maoist-free status by 2026 and also showered praise on the security forces after they eliminated 16 Maoists in an operation in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Saturday, in which two soldiers were also injured.

“Chhattisgarh’s growing steps towards eradicating the cancer of Naxalism. In an ongoing encounter between security forces and Naxals in the Upampalli area of the Kerlapal police station in Sukma district, 16 Naxals have been killed so far. It is reported that 2 DRG personnel have been injured. I pray to God for their speedy recovery,” the Chief Minister wrote on ‘X’.

The Chief Minister also expressed admiration for the bravery of the security forces, saying that in the fight to end anti-human Maoism, security forces are entering the Maoist strongholds and eradicating them from the roots.

“Certainly, this achievement of the soldiers is commendable, and I salute their bravery. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh is moving rapidly towards becoming Naxal-free by March 31, 2026. Under their able leadership, the nation and the state will soon be free from left-wing extremism. Bharat Mata ki Jai,” the Chief Minister added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma told IANS that security forces achieved significant success in their encounter with the Maoists in Sukma district.

“We are rapidly moving towards our goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 2026, and consistent progress is being made in this direction. Additionally, Chhattisgarh has implemented a Naxal surrender policy, which has shown positive results so far,” said the Deputy Chief Minister.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 29 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday called for nurturing and protecting the environment for the next generation, saying it is a "moral responsibility" of parents towards their children.

Inaugurating a two-day National Conference on 'Environment – 2025', the President said, "It is our moral responsibility to provide a legacy of a clean environment to the coming generations. For this, we will have to adopt an environmentally conscious and sensitive lifestyle so that the environment is not only protected but also enhanced."

She called for actions with which the environment can become more vibrant and said, "Balancing clean environment and modern development is both an opportunity and a challenge."

The President said: "We all have to make India a developed nation by 2047 with clean air, water, greenery, and prosperity that would attract the entire world community."

She highlighted that elders in every family worry about which school or college their children will study in, and what career they will choose. "This worry is justified," the President said.

"But, we all must also think about what kind of air our children will breathe, what kind of water they will get to drink, whether they will be able to hear the sweet sounds of birds or not, whether they will be able to experience the beauty of lush green forests or not," the President said.

She said that these topics have economic, social, and scientific aspects, but the most important thing is that the challenges related to all these topics also have a moral aspect.

Environmental protection and promotion will be possible only through continuous activism based on awareness and everyone's participation, she said.

The National Conference on 'Environment – 2025', organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), aims to bring together key stakeholders to discuss pressing environmental challenges, share best practices, and collaborate on future action plans for sustainable environmental management.

The President said that the NGT has played an important role in the environmental governance of the country.

Hailing the decisive role played by the green tribunal in environmental justice or climate justice, the President said: "The historic decisions given by the NGT have a wide impact on our lives, our health, and the future of our earth."

She urged the institutions associated with the environmental management ecosystem and citizens to continuously strive for environmental protection and promotion.

The President said India has presented many exemplary examples to the world community through its green initiatives and hoped the nation would continue to play the role of a green leader.

--IANS

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