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140 crore people my family: PM Modi responds to out-on-bail convicted politician Lalu Prasad Yadav’s comments on Modi’s family

ANI
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140 crore people my family: PM Modi responds to out-on-bail convicted politician Lalu Prasad Yadav’s comments on Modi’s family

Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the opposition coalition, INDIA bloc over nepotism and corruption during his address at Adilabad in Telangana on Monday.

PM Modi said that the 140 crore people in the country are his family adding that his life is an open book.

“The leaders of the INDI alliance, deeply engrossed in corruption, nepotism and appeasement, are becoming nervous. When I question their ‘Parivarvad’, they have started saying that Modi has no family,” the Prime Minister said.

“My life is an open book, 140 crore people of the country are my family. Today, crores of daughters, mothers and sisters of the country are Modi’s family. Every poor person in the country is my family. Those who have no one, they also belong to Modi and Modi belongs to them. They say ‘Nene Modi Kutumbam’ (I’m Modi family),” he said.

“The countrymen know and understand me very well, keeping track of my every moment. Sometimes when I work till late night and the news is out, lakhs of people from across the country write to me asking me not to work so much, take some rest,” he said. The Prime Minister affirmed to continue his ‘fight’ to fulfil the dreams of the people.

“I live with feelings Mera Bharat, Mera Parivaar. I am living for you, fighting for you and will continue to fight for you, to fulfill your dreams with determination,” he said.

He further highlighted the development initiatives taken up by the central government in the last 10 years of its governance. “To date, over 15 lakh people have sent their suggestions for the Viksit Bharat Action Plan. Over 3,75,000 stakeholders have become active participants in this plan. Also, 3,000+ meetings have been held on the Viksit Bharat vision till now,” he said.

“Around 11 lakh youth from across 1,200 universities have also become part of this journey. And this way, we are moving ahead to build a Viksit Bharat, together!,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi listed the development projects completed in short span of time while criticising those questioning the projects labelling it as ‘election baits’.

“Those labelling the development projects as a ‘Chunavi’ tactic must be given an account of the last 15 days. In the last 15 days, we have inaugurated 2 IITs, 1 IIIT, 3 IIMs, 1 IIS and 5 AIIMS,” he said.

“In the last 15 days, we inaugurated the world’s largest storage scheme for farmers. 18,000 cooperatives were computerised. Over 2000 railway projects have been inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for. Moreover, it was also during the last 15 days only that projects worth over 1.5 lakh crore for the oil and gas sector have been dedicated to the country. The list doesn’t end here. These 15 days have built the Atmanirbhar Bharat!,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone of and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 56,000 crore in Telangana’s Adilabad on Monday.

The multiple projects related to power, rail and road sector have been launched by the Prime Minister today.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, State BJP chief and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundarajan were also present at the event.

“Today the land of Adilabad is witnessing many development trends not only for Telangana but for the entire country. Today I got the opportunity to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of more than 30 development works here. These projects worth more than Rs 56 thousand crore will write a new chapter of development in many states of the country including Telangana,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the gathering.

PM Modi dedicated NTPC’s 800 MW (Unit-2) of Telangana Super Thermal Power Project in Telangana’s Peddapalli and dedicated 660 MW (Unit-2) of North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand’s Chatra. The Prime Minister emphasised the development works taken up for Telangana by the Centre.

“Today, everyone is talking about India’s pace of development. Over the past 10 years, how work gets done has changed in India. Our government has taken special care of Telangana. For us, development means the progress of the marginalised,” he said.

“Telangana is going to complete 10 years of its formation. The Central government is trying its best to fulfil the aspirations that people had back then. We have inaugurated the second unit of NTPC which has a capacity of 800 MW energy generation. This will enhance Telangana’s energy production capabilities and provide solutions for other related issues,” the Prime Minister said.

He also dedicated the Fly Ash Based Light Weight Aggregate Plant at Sipat, Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh; STP Water to Green Hydrogen Plant at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

Further, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Singrauli Super Thermal Power Project, Stage-III (2×800 MW) in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh; Flue Gas CO2 to 4G Ethanol Plant at Lara, Raigarh in Chhattisgarh; Sea Water to Green Hydrogen plant at Simhadri, Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh; and Fly Ash Based FALG Aggregate Plant at Korba in Chhattisgarh.

“National highways have also been inaugurated today. Enhanced connectivity through railways and highways will further enhance Telangana’s pace of development. It will not only reduce the time taken for travel but also boost the tourism and hospitality sector, thereby increasing employment opportunities in the region,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation of Bundelkhand Saur Urja Limited’s (BSUL’s) 1200 MW Jalaun Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh.

He inaugurated three solar power projects of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) in Jalaun and Kanpur Dehat in Uttar Pradesh and also Naitwar Mori Hydro Power station along with associated transmission line in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi.

PM Modi inaugurated ReNew’s Koppal-Narendra Transmission Scheme for evacuation of 2500 MW power from Renewable Energy. Prime Minister dedicated the newly electrified Ambari – Adilabad – Pimpalkhuti rail line to the nation. He also laid the foundation for two major National Highway projects connecting Telangana with Maharashtra and Telangana with Chhattisgarh through NH-353B and NH-163.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

1998 Congress-JMM bribery case: PM Modi welcomes Supreme Court verdict overruling judgment that granted immunity to MPs, MLAs on graft charges

OpIndia Staff
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1998 Congress-JMM bribery case: PM Modi welcomes Supreme Court verdict overruling judgment that granted immunity to MPs, MLAs on graft charges

A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on Monday (4th March) ruled that an MP or MLA cannot claim immunity from prosecution on a charge of bribery in connection with the vote or speech in the Parliament or Legislative Assembly.

In a unanimous view, the SC’s Constitution Bench overruled the 1998 judgement in the PV Narasimha Rao case. The seven-judge bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud also comprised Justices Bopanna, Sundresh, Narasimha, Pardiwala, Sanjay Kumar and Manoj Misra.

Welcoming the verdict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X saying, “A great judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen people’s faith in the system.”

In the PV Narasimha Rao case, the Congress Party with Narasimha Rao as its Prime Minister had given bribes to some members of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and urged them to vote against the No Confidence motion moved against Rao in 1991.

The majority judgment in this case had held that a lawmaker was immune to prosecution even if he/she took money to vote on the floor of the House.

A recent case in point is Mahua Moitra’s cash for query incident wherein the now-expelled TMC MP had asked questions on the floor of the House against Adani on behalf of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for bribe including expensive gifts and cash. Moitra had done so by giving access of her Parliamentary account login details to Hiranandani who submitted questions against Adani.

Overruling the verdict, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud observed, “We disagree with the judgment in PV Narasimha case which grants immunity to a legislator for alleged bribery for making a speech or vote in a particular manner in the House that has wide ramifications.”

The top court held that corruption and bribery by legislators destroy the functioning of Indian Parliamentary democracy. The bench headed by the CJI said that the bribery is not rendered immune citing Article 105 or 194.

“A member indulging in bribery indulges in a criminal act which is not essential for casting a vote or giving a speech in the legislature,” the CJI said.

The Supreme Court said that the interpretation of PV Narasimha judgment is contrary to Articles 105 and 194 of the constitution.

The court said that the interpretation which has been placed on the issue in question and the judgment of the majority in PV Narasimha Rao results in a paradoxical outcome where a legislator is conferred with immunity when they accept a bribe and follow through by voting in the agreed direction.

Chief Justice Chandrachud further observed that the offence of bribe is crystallised on the taking of illegal gratification and it does not depend on whether the vote or speech is given later.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had told the bench that the privilege was granted to ensure that lawmakers vote and perform their duties fearlessly.

He said, “Court should not be influenced by extreme examples.. like an agreement being made for bribe inside the parliament.. it can also happen that the transaction to transfer such bribe also happens inside the parliament.”

He contended that the Narasimha Rao ruling inadvertently shields individuals accepting bribes once an action (like delivering a speech or casting a vote influenced by the bribe) is completed.

Speaking after the verdict, Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay said that the apex court through its judgment made it clear that if any legislator takes bribes to ask questions or cast vote in the legislature will not be immune to prosecution.

He said that the accused legislator will not be treated with any special protocols but will be charged with corruption.

Case in point – Mahua Moitra’s Cash for Query case

The country witnessed Investigation by the Parliamentary ethics committee into charges against former TMC MP Mahua Moitra revealed that Moitra had provided the login credentials of her Parliamentary account to businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for expensive gifts, bags, and even money.

The charge was eventually accepted by the former MP herself. Moreover, Mahua Moitra had also asked questions against Adani on the floor of the Lok Sabha to benefit Hiranandani. Hiranandani had admitted to paying cash, lavish gifts to Moitra, and having access to her Lok Sabha login credentials. Moitra was expelled based on the recommendations of the ethics committee report.

(With agency inputs)

‘You are no layman. You are a minister. You should know the consequences’: SC raps Udhayanidhi Stalin over remarks on Sanatana Dharma

OpIndia Staff
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‘You are no layman. You are a minister. You should know the consequences’: SC raps Udhayanidhi Stalin over remarks on Sanatana Dharma

The Supreme Court on Monday (March 4) expressed sharp disapproval of Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments on Sanatana Dharma.

A bench consisting of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta was handling a petition filed by Udhayanidhi Stalin to combine the first information reports (FIR) lodged in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka over the controversial remarks made by the DMK leader.

Upon taking up the petition, Justice Datta addressed Stalin’s counsel, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, stating, “You are misusing your Article 19(1)(a) right. You are misusing your Article 25 right. And now you are invoking your Article 32 right? Do you not comprehend the implications of your statements?”

Singhvi, while clarifying that he is not defending Stalin’s remarks, highlighted that his client is facing FIRs in six different states and is merely seeking their consolidation. In response to the bench’s suggestion to approach the respective high courts, Singhvi said, “I would have to approach six high courts, constantly entangling myself…This seems like persecution before the prosecution.”

Justice Datta reiterated his disapproval of the petitioner’s remarks: “You are not an ordinary individual. You are a minister. You ought to be aware of the repercussions.”

Singhvi referred to the Supreme Court’s rulings in the cases of Amish Devgan, Arnab Goswami, Nupur Sharma, and Mohammed Zubair, where the consolidation of FIRs from multiple states was permitted. He explained that he was seeking similar relief in this case.

Following persistent persuasion by Singhvi, the bench eventually consented to review the plea and scheduled it for Friday. They requested Singhvi to submit the precedents for the record.

Udhayanidhi Stalin and his objectionable remarks on Sanatana Dharma

On Saturday (September 2), the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development of Tamil Nadu said, “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely.”

“The same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to abolish/eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it. So, my appreciation to you all for giving an apt title to the meeting,” he stated. 

Later, he went on a tirade against the Hindu civilisational religious philosophy on social media. While taking to X (formerly Twitter), Udhayanidhi Stalin wrote, “Sanatan Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion.”

“Uprooting Sanatan Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality…I spoke on behalf of the oppressed & marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatan Dharma. I spoke on behalf of the oppressed & marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatan Dharma,” he reiterated his sinister plan.

Yogi Adityanath will be blown up with a bomb – UP Police receives call threatening the Chief Minister, initiates investigation

OpIndia Staff
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Yogi Adityanath will be blown up with a bomb – UP Police receives call threatening the Chief Minister, initiates investigation

On Saturday, 2nd March, a threatening call was made on the designated number of Uttar Pradesh Police Head Constable Udham Singh at around 10 PM. When Singh picked up the call, the caller threatened that CM Yogi Adityanath would be blown up. Upon asking the location of the caller, the person immediately hung up.

Reports suggest that an unidentified young person made the call on the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) number allotted to Udham Singh. The caller said, “Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth could be blown up with a bomb.”

Following the call, Head Constable Singh immediately informed his seniors about the call. Reportedly, four teams have been formed to investigate the matter. The mobile number from which the call was made is being traced by the police.

OpIndia accessed the FIR registered in the matter. The FIR suggested that on 2nd March 2024, Udham Singh received a call at 10:08 PM. The caller told him that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would be blown up with a bomb. When he asked the caller his name and address, he abruptly disconnected the call.

Source: UP police

Speaking to the media, SHO Mahanagar, Akhilesh Mishra, said that an FIR has been registered based on the complaint of Udham Singh under Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

UP CM Yogi Adityanath has received threats on multiple occasions. In January this year, a youth named Ajit Yadav sent a message on social media where he used derogatory language for CM Yogi and threatened to kill him. In April 2021, a threat call was made on 112 where the caller threatened to kill CM Yogi Adityanath in four days.

Chhattisgarh: 12 booked for insulting Hindu Gods and Brahmins in a public event; Christian organisers appealed to break EVMs during elections

OpIndia Staff
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Chhattisgarh: 12 booked for insulting Hindu Gods and Brahmins in a public event; Christian organisers appealed to break EVMs during elections

On Monday (4th March), Jashpur police filed a hate crime report against 12 people for using soiled and insulting language against the Hindu and Brahmin communities on a public forum in the state of Chhattisgarh. The Police are said to have taken action after the video went viral over the social media platforms. 

The clip that was released on the internet is related to a ‘public awareness program’ that was organised on 27th February 2024 under the joint supervision of Bharat Mukti Morcha, Rashtriya Christian Morcha, and Rastriya Ekta Parishad Kunkuri Police Station boundaries in Kunkuri, Jashpur.

In the viral video, the speakers can be seen using derogatory language towards the Hindu community and Brahmins, as well as instigating people against Hinduism. It is additionally alleged that an appeal was made at the conference to break EVMs during the Lok Sabha elections. The speaker at the event could also be seen making derogatory remarks about Hindu deities and Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwardham. Videos of provocative speeches by the speakers are being circulated on the internet.

Karnail Singh, the district president of Vishva Hindu Parishad Jashpur took cognizance of the video and filed a formal complaint with the police. “The speakers insulted Hindu Gods and Goddesses, for which they must be punished. The entire Hindu and Brahmin community has also been insulted. The communities are enraged and are demanding strict punishment,” the complainant said.

The VHP leader further stated that a speaker also questioned the results of three state assembly elections held in 2023. He said that 10 lakh voters were registered in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, but 10.5 lakh actually voted. As a result, the EVM is being called into question. He accused him of vote-stealing.

The speakers are also said to have railed against Brahmins. The Utkal Brahmin community has expressed displeasure about this.

Jaspur SP Shashi Mohan Singh stated that police received a report regarding significant violations such as hate-mongering and encouragement of religious sentiments against other communities. Based on the complaint, police filed a FIR against the 12 suspects.

The FIR in the case has been registered under sections 153 (A), 153 (B), 295 (A), 505 (2), 109 and 294 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

The persons booked in the FIR have been identified as Sunil Khalkho, resident of Godhi police station Bagbahar, Shyam Sundar Maravi, resident Kunkuri, Meera Tirkey, resident Kansabel, Blasius Tigga, resident Ambikapur, Sanjay Saxena, resident Kapu Raigarh, Remish Tirkey, resident Kansabel, Dinesh Bhagat, resident Coconut Dand Police Station Kansabel, Harsh Kujur, resident Pirai police station garden, Roopnarayan Ekka, resident of Jashpur and others.

Further investigations are underway.

Action plan to transform India into a developed country by 2047: Here is what you need to know about ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision of PM Modi

Shraddha Pandey
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Action plan to transform India into a developed country by 2047: Here is what you need to know about ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision of PM Modi

On Sunday (3rd March), Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the Union Council of Ministers’ last formal meeting before the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, which included a brainstorming session on the vision document for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

As the name suggests, the 25-year plan envisions India as a developed nation that leads the world in technology and innovation. In the meeting, a 100-day action plan was discussed for urgent steps to be taken following the formation of a NDA government in May to implement the NDA’s five-year agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid out his government’s action plan to transform India into a developed country by 2047, precisely 100 years after achieving freedom from British rule.

Viksit Bharat’s vision focuses on economic growth, sustainable development goals (SDGs), ease of living, ease of doing business, infrastructure, and social welfare, among other challenges.

According to reports, PM Modi urged his cabinet colleagues to go all out to earn people’s support during the elections, as he discussed several initiatives his government undertook to advance the development and uphold the welfare of all sections of society.

Reports citing government sources said that “Viksit Bharat 2047’s roadmap is a result of more than two years of intensive preparation and involved a “whole of government” approach involving all ministries and wide-ranging consultations with state governments, academia, industry bodies, civil society, scientific organizations and mobilization of youths for inputs.”

“More than 2,700 meetings, workshops and seminars were held at various levels. Suggestions of more than 20 lakh youth were received,” an official said.

The Prime Minister spoke for an hour during the conference, discussing investment in future technologies and harnessing them so that India can lead in innovation. He also discussed age-related demographic shifts and the challenges they provide.

PM Modi further asked ministers and officials to review their respective ministries’ records to understand how decisions evolved in the past and how ideas changed over the past twenty-five years.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi discussed maximum government and minimum governance, emphasising progressive government and proactive good governance.

To forward his ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, PM Modi stated on X before the meeting that he had paid Rs 2000 to the BJP’s ‘party fund’ ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

“I am happy to contribute to @BJP4India and strengthen our efforts to build a Viksit Bharat. I also urge everyone to be a part of #DonationForNationBuilding through the NaMoApp!” PM Modi posted.

According to an essay on Prime Minister Modi’s website, the collective participation of citizens in the economy is a key objective of Viksit Bharat vision.  PM Modi envisions India’s economy as strong, inclusive, and full of job and entrepreneurial opportunities. In this view, Made in India, Digital India, and Startup India among other initiatives are being undertaken by the government. Moreover, PM Modi aims to develop world-class infrastructure to promote sustainable growth and improve everyone’s standard of living. The Modi government has launched projects like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and Smart Cities Mission to achieve the vision of world-class infrastructure.

In addition, PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat rests on harnessing technology to enhance efficiency and transparency in governance. Environmental sustainability is also key concern for the Modi government. Viksit Bharat aims to make India greener and cleaner. For this, the  government has undertaken programmes to encourage renewable energy use, water conservation, and cleanliness, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission, and National Solar Mission.

10 days, 12 States and UTs, 29 programs to inaugurate development works: Itinerary of PM Modi’s jam-packed schedule starting from Telangana & Tamil Nadu

OpIndia Staff
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10 days, 12 States and UTs, 29 programs to inaugurate development works: Itinerary of PM Modi’s jam-packed schedule starting from Telangana & Tamil Nadu

On Monday (4th March), Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commence a 10-day tour to 12 states and union territories (UTs) across the nation to attend 29 programmes ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

According to the itinerary shared by the officials, PM Modi will visit Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi during the next ten days to attend various programs ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi informed about his uocoming visits to various states. He wrote, “Over the next two days, I will be attending various programmes in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and West Bengal. The development works which will be inaugurated cover a wide range of sectors and will transform several lives.”

On Monday morning, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundations for projects worth nearly Rs 56,000 crore in Adilabad, Telangana. He will also attend public meetings in Adilabad and Sangareddy. The Prime Minister will also visit the Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a nuclear power plant in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, at about 3.30 PM, and then address a public assembly in Chennai. Subsequently, he will travel to Hyderabad.

On March 5, PM Modi will be in Sangareddy, Telangana, where he is scheduled to inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth Rs. 6,800 crores. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for three National Highway projects there. 

Thereafter, PM Modi will address a public function in Sangareddy. From Telangana, the Prime Minister will travel to Odisha and inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 19,600 crores at Chandikhole, Jajpur. Thereafter, PM Modi will address a public meeting in Chandikhole; following that, Modi will travel to West Bengal from Odisha. Moving to Kolkata in West Bengal on March 6, the Prime Minister is schedule to inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects. Thereafter, the PM will address a public meeting in Barasat.

The Prime Minister will then travel to Bihar to inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects related to rail, road, and petroleum and natural gas sector worth around Rs. 12,800 Crores in Bettiah. On March 7, the Prime Minister will be travelling to Jammu and Kashmir to lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Srinagar. In the evening, the PM will attend a media event in New Delhi.

March 8 features PM Modi participating in the first-ever National Creator’s Award in Delhi before travelling to Assam, which is scheduled for the evening.

On March 9, the Prime Minister will travel to Arunachal Pradesh to inaugurate the Sela Tunnel in West Kameng. Then, PM Modi will inaugurate multiple development projects in Itanagar. From Arunachal Pradesh, the PM will travel to Assam, where he will unveil the statue of Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat, Assam

Thereafter, he will lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Jorhat. Then, PM Modi will visit West Bengal to inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Siliguri, West Bengal. He will also address a public meeting there.

On March 10, PM Modi travels to Uttar Pradesh to dedicate various projects in Azamgarh. March 11 involves events related to Namo Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi at PUSA in Delhi. PM Modi is scheduled to attend the event, where he will inaugurate the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway. In the evening, the PM will attend a DRDO programme.

On March 12, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Sabarmati, Gujarat, and later he will head to Rajasthan, touring Pokhran in Jaisalmer district. March 13 concludes the intense schedule with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone of three semiconductor projects in Gujarat and Assam via video conferencing, followed by an outreach program for disadvantaged sections of society.

In the lead-up to this year’s general elections, which are scheduled for April and May, PM Modi has made an effort to highlight his government’s development and welfare objectives by unveiling a plethora of development projects worth lakhs of crores of rupees across the country.

(With Inputs from ANI)

MHA hands over Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe to NIA, agency files FIR

ANI
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MHA hands over Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe to NIA, agency files FIR

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has handed over Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe blast probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has re-registered the case and started an investigation.

The case was handed over to the NIA last week following the visit of an NIA team to the blast site.

The blast took place at the cafe on March 1 in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area where several people were injured following an explosion that occurred during the busy lunch hour.

Over half a dozen people got injured after a low-intensity blast took place in The Rameshwaram Cafe, a popular eatery in Bengaluru’s Brookfield area.

Earlier, the Bengaluru Police had registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Substances Act in connection with the explosion at the cafe.

The blast took place at 1 pm on March 1 and the police had also found a suspect in the CCTV footage, keeping a bag inside the cafe. The police probe so far indicated that an IED device with a timer was used to carry out the explosion.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara had assured that the suspect would be arrested soon.

“We are continuing our investigation. 8 teams have been formed and all are working in different directions and looking at different aspects. We have collected several CCTV footages. We are examining every angle including if there is any jealousy factor. I also appeal to the opposition to cooperate with us and not to make this a political issue…We do not know if there is any connection with the Mangaluru blast. They have used a similar material and the same system technically. Yesterday NSG arrived here. We will definitely find the person. We had a meeting yesterday and briefed the CM. Today, I have called a meeting of all the senior officers. BJP should not issue negative statements” the Karnataka Home Minister said on Sunday.

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar echoed the state home Minister asking the people not to panic or worry.

“It was a low-intensity blast. A youth came and kept a small bag which exploded after an hour. About 10 people received injuries. 7-8 teams formed to probe the incident. We are looking at all angles. I ask every resident of Bengaluru to not worry” DK Shivakumar had said. (ANI)

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

AI used to generate fake video: Obscene video of BJP MP from Barabanki goes viral day two days after party announced his candidacy, MP files FIR

OpIndia Staff
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AI used to generate fake video: Obscene video of BJP MP from Barabanki goes viral day two days after party announced his candidacy, MP files FIR

A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, it’s sitting MP and poll candidates from Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh has become the target of a fake obscene video incident.

A forged obscene video of BJP MP Upendra Singh Rawat, who represents the Barabanki constituency in Uttar Pradesh, has gone viral on social media, pushing his team to file an FIR in the case. Aditya Tripathi, the in-charge of the Kotwali police station, confirmed that a report has been filed against an unknown culprit in the case.

According to the FIR, some people released a doctored objectionable video of the MP to destroy his image after he was declared a BJP candidate. According to police officials, the video spread online shows a man in an unpleasant posture with a woman. It is being alleged that the individual shown in the video is BJP’s Upendra Singh Rawat. 

The MP meanwhile stated that his opponents committed this act to tarnish his image as soon as he received the party’s ticket from Barabanki. He also pressed that the video footage making rounds on social media is fully doctored.

While talking to the Jagran news media, Rawat also said that the video is edited using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and that the man seen in the video is someone else. “This video might be old, from 2022-23 and the man is being mistaken for me. This is a deliberate attempt to tarnish my image ahead of the Lok Sabha elections,” he said.

MP’s personal secretary Dinesh Rawat also said that around 7 videos were made viral on Sunday (3rd March) and all of those had the same time frames. “The FIR in the case has been lodged. People behind this will be caught and we demand strict punishment for them,” he added.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP selected Upendra Singh Rawat to contest from the Barabanki seat, replacing Priyanka Singh Rawat, who was the incumbent MP in the constituency.

On Saturday (2nd March), the BJP revealed its initial list of 195 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, which included party heavyweights like Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi, Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, and Rajnath Singh from Lucknow.

The BJP’s first list of candidates includes 51 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 24 in Madhya Pradesh, 20 in West Bengal, 15 in Gujarat and Rajasthan, 12 in Kerala, nine in Telangana, 11 in Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, five in Delhi, three in Uttarakhand, two in Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, and one in Goa, Tripura, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Daman and Diu.

The BJP also has named 28 women and 27 people from scheduled castes to increase the array of backgrounds on the candidate list. The party has also resolved to replace 33 incumbent MPs in their respective constituencies.

The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the dates of 2024 Lok Sabha elections soon. The term of the current Lok Sabha expires on 16th June, so a new Lok Sabha needs to be formed by then. The elections are expected to be held in April and May.

Christian militant group asks LGBTQ groups to leave Nagaland within 3 days, terms them ‘evil forces trying to destroy society’

OpIndia Staff
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Christian militant group asks LGBTQ groups to leave Nagaland within 3 days, terms them ‘evil forces trying to destroy society’

A Christian militant group called National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), or Niki, has set a three-day deadline for non-locals who are propagating and encouraging the LGBTQ community, ordering them to leave Naga-inhabited areas. Niki is one of the 18 organisations declared unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, of 1967.

NSCN-K issued the deadline on Monday (4th March) after reports emerged of Nagaland’s first LGBTQ conclave titled ‘Rainbow Dialogues: All in this Together” which was organised on 29th February. The group claimed that the Nagas and the Christians would not tolerate any such activities that would destroy the fabric of the society.

Furthermore, they asked the Nagas, including the churches to stay vigilant of “evil forces” that are “trying to destroy the existence of the society”. They also urged the churches to “educate and counsel” the younger generation as they could be vulnerable to “bad influence”.

Continuing the warning, the group said it would not be responsible for any adverse reaction if the non-locals propagating and encouraging LGBTQ in the state fail to leave within three days.

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ), alien to the Naga society and something that was never heard of among the Naga people, is trying to make a foothold in Naga society to corrupt and tow away the minds of Naga people especially the younger generation from our cultural and religious beliefs. The intent of evil is and ever has been to deceive and to get someone to call it good,” it said.

NSCN-K alleged that the culture and practices of the outside world had attempted to influence the Naga society by promoting unhealthy behaviour, and unrighteous and unethical ways of life. According to the group, such negative values contradict the moral, cultural and religious values of the Naga people.

The group claimed that the concept of LGBTQ was alien to the Naga society and the Naga people had never heard of it. By trying to make a presence among the Naga people, especially the younger generation, pro-LGBTQ groups were towing away them from their cultural and religious beliefs, they said.

They further claimed that it would pose a serious threat to the moral ethics of the Nagas and would be against the teachings of Christianity.

What is NSCN-K?

National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) or NSCN Niki is a Christian militant group based out of Nagaland. It is one of the factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland. The Ministry of Home Affairs declared the group unlawful under UAPA in 2015.

According to the gazette notification issued by MHA in September 2015, NSCN-K indulges in illegal and violent activities intended to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. The group aims to achieve a separate state.

It engages in unlawful and violent activities undermining the authority of the Government of India, and the Governments of Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh by spreading terror and panic among the people.

They have camps and hideouts across borders and carry out secessionist activities. They have a history of attacking both armed personnel and civilians alike. The ban on the organisation was extended for five years in 2020.

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