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The number of disability categories for reservation increased from 3 to 5, around 15,000 vacant jobs for Divyangs filled: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

OpIndia Staff
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The number of disability categories for reservation increased from 3 to 5, around 15,000 vacant jobs for Divyangs filled: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

On 24th December (Sunday), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted a slew of measures and initiatives taken by the Modi government since 2014 for the welfare of Divyangs while interacting with a delegation of Divyang Employees national organisation. 

Union Minister with multiple portfolios, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that the Modi government has increased the number of disability categories for reservation for PwDs (Persons with Disability) from 3 to 5. Additionally, around 15,000 posts meant for Divyangs, which were lying vacant for long years, were filled under a special drive by the government, he added. 

Further, the reservation quota for Divyangs has been increased in Central Government Services and Education.

Earlier there were only three categories in which Persons with Disabilities (PwD) were given reservation. These categories included – 

  1. Blindness and low vision  
  2. Deaf and hard of hearing 
  3. Locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy

However, the Modi government has added two more categories which include –

  1. Autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and mental illness
  2. Multiple disabilities from amongst persons under clauses (1) to (4) including deaf-blindness. 

The Minister noted that the Central Government has implemented several welfare schemes for the benefit of Divyangs. He added that this is in line with PM Modi’s commitment to attend to those sections of society who were left out of the mainstream by the previous governments.

He said, “Under ‘The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016’, the categories of disabilities have been increased from 3 to 5 and the Central Government retains the power to add more types of disabilities. Besides, the reservation quota for Divyangs has been increased from 3 to 4 percent in Central Government Services and 5 percent in Education for them.” 

He stated that Divyangs are an integral part of human resources and the Government is committed to working for an inclusive society and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

The Minister added, “Be that the fee remission for Divyangs in Civil Services Examination, two choices of home cadre for Divyangs qualifying Civil Services Examination, increase in the Divyang pension, hike in attendant allowance, etc., all possible steps have been taken by this government for the welfare of Divyangs.” 

He pointed out that it was the idea of PM Modi who gave the title ‘Divyang’ (Divine Body) instead of ‘Viklang’ to address persons with disability.

The delegation lauded the concerns of the Prime Minister by empowering the Divyangs. They also submitted a memorandum to the Minister, suggesting inputs for promotion avenues and service conditions.

The Union Minister recalled that the Prime Minister, in his speech from the historic Red Fort to mark the 77th Independence Day, promised to develop para-athletes and elevate them to advance in the Paralympics. Strikingly, during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics held in August-September, 2021, Indian Paralympians created history by winning 19 medals including 5 Gold, 8 Silver, and 6 Bronze.

Dr Jitendra Singh said the government has set up a special sports training institute for the Divyang at various places in the country including one at Shillong. 

Additionally, in the Ministry of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh added that several schemes had been introduced in the last 9 years to support Divyangs in Science, Technology, and StartUps.

Dr. Jitendra Singh is the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, as well as Incharge, DoPT (Department of Personnel & Training). 

‘I am a sufferer’: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar slams ‘chronic critics’ amid mimicry video row

OpIndia Staff
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‘I am a sufferer’: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar slams ‘chronic critics’ amid mimicry video row

On 24th December (Sunday), Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the graduating batch from the National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) which was also attended by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. Addressing the event, the Vice President launched veiled attacks against some opposition leaders in the wake of the mimicry video row. 

At the event, he slammed his ‘chronic critics’ noting that repeated personal attacks will not deter him. He advised graduating students that they should never be deterred by those who cannot digest the growth of others calling such people as chronic critics. 

The Vice President said, “Never be deterred by those who have poor digestive systems for our growth. They are chronic critics. Nothing is more dangerous than a knowledgeable man who knows the truth but does not speak it. He exploits the ignorance of others for political equity.” 

The Rajya Sabha Chairman also pointed out that even after he assumed the constitutional post of Vice-President of India, he has been enduring insults and personal attacks. However, he added that such attacks can’t deviate him from proceeding on the path of righteousness. 

He noted, “Even in my constitutional position as Chairman, Rajya Sabha & Vice-President, people don’t spare me! Should that change my mindset? Should that result in a deviation of my path? No! On the path of righteousness, we must always proceed!”

Highlighting his personal experience of enduring insults and being a ‘sufferer’ of relentless attacks, he encouraged the graduating students to take pride in their achievements and “never be worried” about those who seek to demean “out of design or ignorance”.

The Vice President said, “I am a sufferer! A sufferer knows how to withstand from within, taking all upfront, enduring all insults, with one direction – we are in the service of our Bharat Mata. We must take pride in our achievements. While the world is praising us, some of us, out of design or ignorance seek to demean us. Never be worried about it!”

He stressed, “Our culture is – talk, dialogue, don’t fight, don’t confront, cooperate! This is everyone’s country, everyone will develop together.”  

At the ceremony, he added, “As officers of the Indian Statistical Service, you will be the architects of evidence-based policy-making. Your skills and expertise are invaluable  As statistical officers, you are entrusted with a sacred duty—to present data truthfully and impartially. You should be able to show the mirror and tell the reality.” 

The graduates from the NSSTA will now be enlisted into the Indian Statistical Service.

His remarks and veiled attacks against “chronic critics” come days after a video went viral in which TMP MP Kalyan Banerjee was seen mocking the VP by ostensibly mimicking his mannerisms while conducting a mock sitting of the House while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen recording the act on his mobile phone. Following the incident, Vice President Dhankhar had termed the act “shameful and ridiculous“. It also drew condemnation from various quarters including President and Prime Minister among other political and social groups and leaders. 

BJP demands apology from Dayanidhi Maran over his comments on north Indian Hindi speakers, RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav also reacts

OpIndia Staff
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BJP demands apology from Dayanidhi Maran over his comments on north Indian Hindi speakers, RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav also reacts

On 24th December, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned the statement given by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran against the people of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. BJP’s state president, Samrat Choudhary, said he would like to know from Lalu Prasad Yadav and CM Nitish Kumar how Maran insulted Bihar. He questioned if Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress Party, and Janata Dal-United (JDU) would apologise for the statement. Notably, RJD, JDU and Congress are part of I.N.D.I Alliance with DMK.

Choudhary said that the BJP and the people of Bihar would not tolerate any such kind of insult and demanded an apology from Dayanidhi. In case Dayanidhi does not apologise, the BJP will protest against it. Launching a fresh attack on Lalu Prasad’s family, Choudhary said that ED-CBI was after them. He accused the Yadav family of looting bihar and harming the future of the children by acquiring land in exchange for jobs in the Railways. Choudhary called Yudavs a family of thieves who robbed Bihar to fill their coffers. “These people cannot feel ashamed. Send them any kind of notice, and they will still live happily. Remember when Lalu was arrested? He was laughing,” Choudhary said.

Challenging the I.N.D.I Alliance, Choudhary said Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Kumar have not shared the stage for several days. He said, “The people of the ‘India’ alliance have understood, and I challenge the people of the ‘India’ alliance that in the 2024 elections, whether it’s Nitish Kumar, Lalu Yadav, or Lal Jhanda’s people, no one’s account will be opened.”

Tejashwi Yadav reacted to Dayanidhi’s statement

Reacting to Dayanidhi’s statement, Tejashwi Yadav, deputy CM of Bihar, said, “Karunanidhi’s party is the DMK. The DMK believes in social justice. If any leader of that party has said something about the people of UP and Bihar, then it is condemnable. We disagree with it. The labourers from UP and Bihar are demanded all over the country… If any such statement has come forth, then we condemn it… It would have made sense if he had said that people of a particular community are cleaning gutters. Why should people of a particular community should clean? But he is saying that people of Bihar and UP are coming to clean gutters, which is condemnable. Leaders of all parties should refrain from making such statements. This is one country. We, the people of Bihar, respect the people of other regions, and we expect the same. Such statements should not have been made…”

Dayanidhi insulted the people of UP and Bihar

On 23rd December, a video clip of DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran went viral where he was seen insulting the people of UP and Bihar and said, “Hindi-speaking people are cleaning toilets and roads for us.” He became one of the several leaders of the I.N.D.I Alliance, who have insulted Hindus and people who live in the northern states of the country.

Uttar Pradesh: Rasuddin detained for raping 15-year-old Dalit girl, victim critical, pressure being created on family to withdraw the case

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Rasuddin detained for raping 15-year-old Dalit girl, victim critical, pressure being created on family to withdraw the case

In a shocking incident, a 15-year-old Dalit girl was sexually violated by a Muslim man in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad on the evening of 23rd December. The accused has been identified as 25-year-old Rasuddin, son of Safiq from Jawahar Nagar. The horrific act has left the minor seriously injured. She is undergoing medical treatment in a hospital. Meanwhile, authorities have apprehended the accused and are questioning him.

The instance transpired in Lodipur village which falls under the jurisdiction of Majhola Police Station. The girl who is a resident of the hamlet went to cut grass from the fields along with three other girls from the neighbourhood at around 4 pm on the fateful day. After some time, the other three girls moved to a different area to cut grass which left the victim alone and the perpetrator exploited the opportunity. He caught her and proceeded to rape her brutally.

She is at present admitted at Moradabad District Hospital in her severe condition. Her family has registered a case against the offender in Majhola police station under Section 376 of Rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. Based on the complaint, the accused Rasuddin has been nabbed by the police. OpIndia has a copy of the First Information Report (FIR).

Her brother informed that cops were at present interrogating Rasuddin in an interview with OpIndia. He further revealed that the family members are being forced to withdraw the case and compromise by one or two associates of the culprit. However, they have asked for tough measures to be taken against the accused.

Moradabad Police have told OpIndia that a case has been opened in connection to the matter and an inquiry is underway. The family members, however, are quite furious over the entire ordeal and demand strict action against Rasuddin.

I do not eat or promote beef: Influencer Kamiya Jani issues clarification over Puri Jagannath Mandir controversy

OpIndia Staff
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I do not eat or promote beef: Influencer Kamiya Jani issues clarification over Puri Jagannath Mandir controversy

On Sunday (24th December), social media influencer and Curly Tales founder Kamiya Jani shared a video on her Instagram handle to issue a clarification on the recent controversy that erupted after she visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. In this video, she said that she is a proud practising Hindu and that she does not eat beef. Earlier on 21st December, the Odisha unit of BJP took offence to a video of social media influencer and Curly Tales founder Kamiya Jani talking to BJD leader VK Pandian on Jagannath temple premises. Reacting to the video, the Odisha BJP had questioned how a “promoter of beef consumption like Jani” was granted access to Jagannath temple premises.

Kamiya Jani said in the caption of her video clarification, “In the wake of the recent controversy, it is important that I put out real facts and the truth. This one incident, in no way, will shake my pride in my country and its rich culture. I am and will always be a proud Indian. Jai Jagannath. Dil se Desi. Jai Hind.”

In her clarification, she said, “Hi! My name is Kamiya Jani. Many different things are being spoken about me. I am just here to clarify a few things. I am a food, travel, and culture content creator, and YouTuber. My job is to go to different parts of the country and tell viewers about the food, culture, people, and lifestyle in those places. As an Indian YouTuber, it has been my mission to take Indian culture, heritage and civilisation to the whole world.”

She added, “In fact, I had created a documentary in the last year. It was titled “Dharohar Bharat Ki” which means India’s treasure. I visited many cultural sites in the country. I took the stories and infrastructural development of those places to you (viewers). Many knowledgeable people in our country including our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji praised it. For this documentary, the Ministry of Culture gave me an award for cultural brand ambassador.”

Kamiya Jani further said, “My motive to visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri was to seek blessings of Lord Jagannath and to share the information of the infrastructural developments in Puri with viewers. Unfortunately, there has erupted a controversy regarding this visit. I understand that the temple authorities have some rules. And I would like to clarify that I have not broken any rule. I am a practising Hindu. I have never eaten beef. I do not promote eating beef. As a food blogger, I have informed people about various cuisines at different places. And that’s what has happened with the Kerala video whose screenshots are shared in this controversy. Please watch this video.”

After this, she attached the footage from her Kerala video. She was accused of having beef in that video. In this video, Kamiya Jani said, “Well, it is said that this place was discovered by two truck drivers who had reached very late. Everything in the restaurant was over and only Panzam Pori and Beef Curry were left. But they enjoyed eating this so much.”

While visuals of the Kerala video were seen, Kamiya Jani continued in her clarification video, “This was the tale of those two truck drivers detailing how this dish became a speciality in Kerala. As I don’t eat beef, I had Kadala Curry which is Veg Black Chana Curry, Appam made of fermented rice and coconut milk, Panzam Pori which is pakodas of banana. After having the food, I also gave the information about the prices of these items. I read out my restaurant bill for this.”

Kamiya Jani said, “I am sure, there will be a lot more other videos about various restaurants, cities, and countries and I share the information about the local foods of those places. But it is not like I eat it at all. As a food medium platform, we do share information about the food items. I can understand that this can be a misunderstanding. This clarification is to end that misunderstanding. We all love our country and its culture. And I hope this clarification reaches those who are hurt by this misunderstanding. As an Indian, I will continue to make India proud. I would like to take the stories of ancient beauties and development here to the world. I will get back to work now. Thank you very much.”

Controversy about Puri visit of Kamiya Jani

On 21st December, the BJP’s Odisha division expressed outrage over a video featuring social media influencer and Curly Tales founder Kamiya Jani conversing with BJD leader VK Pandian at the Jagannath temple. The Odisha BJP raised objections to Jani’s presence at the temple, citing her promotion of beef consumption in the past. They demanded immediate legal action, calling for Jani and Pandian to be arrested under IPC Section 295 A.

The Odisha unit of BJP shared a screenshot of Kamiya Jani’s old video where she is seen promoting “beef dishes” alongside a snippet from the current video in question that showed Kamiya Jani promoting the Puri Srimandir Heritage Corridor project and Mahaprasad along with BJD leader Pandian.

Congress MLA Sunil Kedar disqualified from the Maharashtra Assembly after being convicted in a bank fraud worth Rs 150 crore

OpIndia Staff
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Congress MLA Sunil Kedar disqualified from the Maharashtra Assembly after being convicted in a bank fraud worth Rs 150 crore

Five-time Congress MLA and former Maharashtra Minister Sunil Kedar has been disqualified from the state legislative Assembly following his conviction and five-year jail term in the cooperative bank scam worth Rs 150 crore which surfaced in 2002. He was convicted by a magistrate’s court in Nagpur on Friday (22nd December) for misappropriating funds at the Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank (NDCCB). 

The senior Congress leader from the Vidarbha region is considered close to the Gandhi family. He is a five-time MLA from Saoner in Nashik district and was a minister in the former Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. 

A gazette notification was issued on Saturday (23rd December) by legislature secretary Jitendra Bhole informing about his disqualification from the state assembly. As per the gazette order, the Congress leader stood disqualified as an MLA from the date of his conviction on 22nd December under provisions of Article 19 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India and Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The order read, “Sunil Kedar has been convicted under sections 406, 409, 468, 471, 120 (B) and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, the court of 2nd Assistant Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nagpur (vide CR No. 101/2002) which was followed by five years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 12.5 lakh on 22 December. Consequent upon the conviction, he stands disqualified from being a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in terms of provisions of Section 191 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951.” 

Congress leader’s Counsel Deven Chauhan stated that they would approach the sessions court on Tuesday to challenge CJM Jyoti Pekhle-Purkar’s judgement passed on Friday. Speaking with Times of India, he said, “We will seek suspension of conviction, stay, suspension of sentence, and bail.”  

Notably, on 22nd December (Friday), the court of 2nd Assistant Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nagpur sentenced Congress MLA Sunil Kedar and five others to five years imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 12.5 lakh in connection with the alleged Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank (NDCCB) scam. The six convicts, including Kedar, were fined Rs 10 lakh each.

As per the prosecution, when Kedar was the Chairman, NDCCB lost Rs 150 crore in government securities (G-sec) in 2002 as rules were flouted while investing funds through Home Trade Securities, an investment firm.

Subsequently, Kedar and 11 others were charged in the 2002 scam case, involving former general manager Ashok Choudhary, chief accountant Suresh Peshkar, Mahendra Agrawal, Shreeprakash Poddar, Subodh Bhandari, Kanan Mewawala, Nandkishor Trivedi, Amit Verma, and stockbroker Ketan Seth from Mumbai.

In her judgement, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Pekhle-Purkar stated that Kedar and one other accused were entrusted with the entire stake of the bank. She noted that the fund in question was the hard-earned money of the people and members of the bank, most of whom were poor farmers from Nagpur.

The court pointed out that the objective of the cooperative sector is to uplift the status of the economically marginalised sections of society. 

The court said Kedar, who was chairman at the time, and then general manager Ashok Choudhary were entrusted to invest the funds in the manner prescribed by the law but they committed breach of trust. The order stated that such criminal breach of trust is a serious offence. 

UP: Lucknow Development Authority seals FI Hospital linked to jailed mafia Mukhtar Ansari, starts demolition of illegal constructions

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Lucknow Development Authority seals FI Hospital linked to jailed mafia Mukhtar Ansari, starts demolition of illegal constructions

On Sunday (December 24), the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) sealed the New FI Hospital as part of a crackdown on unlawful construction linked to gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari. Located at the Burlington Crossing in Lucknow, the FI Hospital is owned by Ansari’s close aide Siraj Ahmed. The LDA also began demolishing unlawful constructions in the parking lot of Ahmed’s other property, the FI Tower.

This comes after the LDA’s earlier notification declaring that two floors – 7th and 8th- of the FI Tower, consisting of 24 flats and three penthouses on the 9th floor, were illegal. The notice additionally mentioned violations of building rules in the New FI Hospital.

After the notice, the LDA acted promptly on Sunday, enclosing the New FI Hospital and initiating the demolition of the FI Tower’s illegal parking constructions. The demolition was conducted amidst heavy security, with LDA Vice Chairman Indramani Tripathi personally supervising the demolition drive.

Moreover, the LDA filed an FIR at the Kaiserbagh police station against Ahmed and his accomplices Showeb Iqbal, Monis Iqbal, and Michael for violating building regulations. Whereas Monis Iqbal has already been apprehended and incarcerated, efforts are on to nab Michael and Siraj Ahmed.

Residents of FI Tower are outraged by the Lucknow Development Authority’s (LDA) action. The residents questioned where the Lucknow Development Authority was when these flats were constructed. They reportedly asked that if these flats were illegally built without a permit, why did the LDA not intervene. The FI Tower residents assert that they legally bought the flats.

In another move, the Lucknow Development Authority said that from next week, it will begin building affordable apartments on a 20,000 sqft property in the Dalibagh area, which has been liberated from Mukhtar Ansari’s hold. On the land, the authority intends to construct 72 affordable flats in two four-story buildings with 36 flats each for financially weak people.

According to a TOI report, the District Urban Development Authority will manage the allocation of flats to deserving recipients within a year. A private Gorakhpur-based company has been granted a construction contract of Rs 3.50 crore. After subsidies, the average cost of one flat is projected to be Rs 4.5 lakh. Pricing for potential residents will be set at a later date.

Sports Ministry asks Indian Olympic Association to form ad hoc committee to run the affairs of WFI after suspending all activities of the newly elected body

OpIndia Staff
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Sports Ministry asks Indian Olympic Association to form ad hoc committee to run the affairs of WFI after suspending all activities of the newly elected body

On Sunday (24th December), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports wrote to the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad hoc committee to replace the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This decision came after the union sports ministry suspended all activities of the newly-elected body of the WFI. The ministry instructed the WFI not to carry out any activities after it announced junior national championships in violation of norms.

The letter written by Tarun Pareek, Under Secretary of the Union Sports Ministry, to the IOA president said, “I am directed to refer to this Ministry’s order of even number dated 24.12.2023 abstaining the newly elected Executive Committee of the WFI from administering and managing the day-to-day activities of the Federation. Since Wrestling is an Olympic sport and WFI is an affiliate member of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and taking note of the compelling current situation arising out of the influence and control of the WFI’s former office bearers, serious concerns have arisen about the governance and integrity of the WFI.”

It further said, “This requires immediate and stringent corrective measures to uphold the principles of good governance in sports organizations, and thus, now it becomes incumbent on the part of IOA to make suitable arrangements for the interim period for managing the affairs of WFI so that sportspersons of wrestling discipline do not suffer in any manner and the principle of good governance in the sports body do not get jeopardised.”

The letter added, “In view of the above, it is requested that an Ad-Hoc Committee may be constituted by the IOA to manage and control the affairs of WF1, as per the defined role of NSFs in the National Sports Development Code of India-2011, including the selection of athletes, making entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events, holding of sporting activities, etc. with immediate effect, until further orders.”

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will now establish an interim committee to manage the daily activities of Indian wrestlers. Reportedly the committee will be formed in the next 48 hours. This development follows the Union Sports Ministry’s suspension of all activities of the newly elected WFI president, Sanjay Singh, and his administration, for announcing Under 16 and Under 20 national championships in UP’s Gonda without giving a mandatory notice period to state federations. The Ministry criticised their decision to organise national championships from 28 December as “hasty”, saying that it violated provisions of WFI constitution.

This is not the first time that the sports ministry has asked the IOC to form an ad hoc committee to replace the WFI. In April 2023, the sports ministry asked the Indian Olympic Association to constitute an ad-hoc committee to conduct the polls of WFI and also manage the sports body till the elections of a new body. IOA executive council (EC) member Bhupender Singh Bajwa and former shooter Suma Shirur were appointed members of the committee which was formed on 4th May. Former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Mahesh Mittal Kumar was appointed as returning officer for the WFI elections.

Notably, the newly elected WFI cancelled all decisions of the ad hoc committee on Thursday, hours after winning the elections. This included the ad hoc committee’s decision to host the senior National Championship in Jaipur, and a change in the Olympic selection criteria. The Bajwa-chaired ad-hoc body had announced that the Olympic quotas won by the wrestlers will not belong to individuals but to the country and the quota-winning wrestler will also have to undergo selection trials to book his or her place in the national team for the 2024 Paris Games.

It is not known whether IOA will reappoint the same ad hoc committee or new members will be chosen. The WFI has vowed to challenge the ministry’s decision to suspend its activities. Moreover, WFI remains suspended by international wrestling body United World Wrestling for not holding elections withing given deadline. Therefore, another legal battle is expected, which will require the committee to run the affairs of WFI for a substantial period.

Over 10% samples failed: Vigilance writes to Delhi health secretary over supply of ‘non-standard’ medicines to hospitals, asks to stop payment and remove stock

ANI
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Over 10% samples failed: Vigilance writes to Delhi health secretary over supply of ‘non-standard’ medicines to hospitals, asks to stop payment and remove stock

The Delhi Special Vigilance Department on Sunday wrote to the health secretary over the “Not of Standard Quality” drugs being supplied in Delhi government hospitals and urged to clarify as to how much payment is made till now to companies and manufacturers.

“You are requested to ensure that all such drugs which have failed the prescribed norms should be immediately qualified and seized as per the due process of law on a war footing,” read the letter.

“Secondly, you are requested to ensure the followings; 1. That no further payment is made to such companies. 2. That all the failed drugs may be immediately identified and should be removed from the stock of all the hospitals where such drugs have been supplied so as to ensure that the general public are not administered with such ‘Not of Standard Quality Drugs’ 3. May also clarify since when these drugs are being procured and supplied,” it added.

The letter further read, “It is also requested to clarify as to how much payment is made till now to these companies and manufacturers and how much payment payment is pending. Besides this, you are requested to take possession of all the documents related to the procurement of drugs inter-alia including tender documents and files relating to the same immediately and provide the original copy of the same to the directorate of vigilance.”

“You are also requested to provide terms and conditions of the appointment of dealers/distributers for the execution of supply in respect of above-failed drugs. Action taken report may kindly be submitted in next 48 hour,” it added.

Earlier on Saturday, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI inquiry into “Not of Standard Quality” drugs being supplied in Delhi government hospitals.

“I am, to say the least, anguished at the fact that lakhs of hapless people and patients are being supplied fake drugs that have failed quality standard tests,” the L-G said in a letter to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar directing him for the investigation.

“These drugs, procured by the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) under Delhi Health Service (DHS) were supplied to Delhi Government Hospitals and may also have been supplied to the Mohalla Clinics…. these have failed and are categorized as Not of Standard Quality,” the LG said in the letter.

Needless to say, these drugs procured by spending huge budgetary resources are a grave threat to public health and safety and have the potential to endanger the lives of people, the letter said.

“Since the matter of Mohalla Clinics is already entrusted to CBI, this case, which may, inter alia, also involve supply of these failed ‘Not of Standard Quality’ drugs to such clinics, may also be entrusted to the Central Agency, especially in light of the fact that the investigation therein involves multi inter-state stakeholders including CPA- DHS, GNCTD, suppliers or dealers, manufacturers in other states and other state agencies, the actions taken thereon should be conveyed to all concerned within 7 days,” the letter said.

In its report, Special Secretary Vigilance recommended that “since more than 10% samples have failed, we may advise the department to increase the scope of sampling in respect of drugs in terms of volume and value across all the hospitals.”

“The department may also parallelly process the matter for seeking explanation and issue show cause notice to the officials of Directorate General of Health Services, GNCTD for such lapse and to determine their role.”

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

‘Angel Payal’: The Pakistani spy honey-trapping Indians on Facebook and getting defense secrets

OpIndia Staff
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‘Angel Payal’: The Pakistani spy honey-trapping Indians on Facebook and getting defense secrets

On 21st December (Thursday), a technician working at the Cochin Shipyard was arrested for allegedly sharing photos and videos of ships under construction for the Indian Navy with his Facebook friend ‘Angel Payal’. However, a preliminary investigation has revealed that he was not the first target of ‘Angel Payal’ to relay sensitive information, as reported by The New Indian Express on 24th December. 

The preliminary assessment has found that Angel Payal is a name commonly used by Pakistan-based intelligence operatives (PIO). They befriend people working at sensitive locations through social media and extract high-value information.

Incidentally, the same name had surfaced earlier in a spying case that was reported from Mumbai’s naval dockyard. On 13th December, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had arrested Gaurav Patil who was working as an apprentice at the naval dockyard. He allegedly shared information about the movement of Indian Navy ships and sent pictures of the naval dockyard to two women named Payal Angel and Arti Sharma in May 2023, The New Indian Express reported citing highly placed sources. 

After Patil’s arrest, Maharashtra ATS went on to arrest a West Bengal resident, Mukta Mahato, who too was allegedly sharing sensitive information with Payal Angel. 

The Source said, “The name has surfaced in several spying cases before. In some places, the name used is Payal Angel, and in some profiles, they use the names Angel Payal, Angel P,  and Payal A. The preliminary assessment is that these are Pakistan-based intelligence operatives who are active on social media platforms. Other names repeatedly appear in spy cases reported across the country. These methods are used by foreign agencies to garner sensitive information.” 

A contract technician and a resident of Manjeri, Malappuram, Sreenish Pookkodan was arrested on 20th December for photographing an under-construction defense ship and gathering information about VVIPs at the Cochin Shipyard. The Ernakulam Town South police had arrested Sreenish in this case. Currently, they are awaiting reports from Facebook and the cyber forensic laboratory to analyse the information shared by the accused individuals with the Pakistan-based intelligence operative.

An officer said, “During the interrogation, Sreenish said he took the pictures of ships and sensitive places in the shipyard on the insistence of Angel Payal. However, the mobile phone of the accused is being checked to ascertain the kind of information Sreenish shared with the Pakistan-based intelligence operative.” 

The authorities are investigating whether Sreenish received any payment for the images he shared. To ascertain this, the police have obtained his bank statements to scrutinise any transactions.

Meanwhile, there had been multiple cases in which Pakistan-based intelligence operatives posing with fake female aliases had honey-trapped Indian nationals to gather sensitive information. While the aliases have changed, the modus operandi appears to be exactly the same. Honey trapping is a strategy in espionage where an agent cultivates a relationship with a civilian in order to exploit their trust or gain access to confidential information. 

In August 2023, a Courier delivery man was arrested after he was allegedly honey-trapped by a Pakistani agent pretending to be ‘Aarushi Sharma’ and leaked defence information. The accused provided the Pakistani intelligence agency with sensitive military secrets and was apprehended by the Kolkata Special Task Force (STF). The operative befriended him through a fake Facebook profile named ‘Aarushi Sharma’.

Earlier in July this year, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) dismantled a Pakistani intelligence agency (ISI) spy network operating in the Kutch region. The arrest of an individual named Vishal Badia unearthed the case involving a honeytrap, in which he was compromised and subsequently divulged sensitive information about Indian Security Forces to Pakistan. Investigations had revealed that Vishal had been maintaining communication with a virtual online person Aditi. 

On 11th July, the Uttar Pradesh Police arrested a Home Ministry employee identified as Naveen Pal for sending significantly confidential documents to Pakistan. It came to light that Naveen was honey-trapped by a woman who was believed to be an ISI agent from Pakistan. According to the reports, the ISI agent posed herself as Anjali from Kolkata, West Bengal, and trapped Naveen Pal to get access to the confidential documents from the Ministry. 

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