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Yogi Adityanath govt in Uttar Pradesh to install over 30,000 solar irrigation pumps under PM KUSUM Yojana

ANI
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Yogi Adityanath govt in Uttar Pradesh to install over 30,000 solar irrigation pumps under PM KUSUM Yojana

With a special focus on providing clean energy options to meet the growing energy needs of the state, the Uttar Pradesh government, in line with the intentions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has set a target to install over 30,000 solar photovoltaic irrigation pumps under PM KUSUM Yojana, said an official statement.

According to an official statement by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), “The Uttar Pradesh government, in line with the intentions of CM Yogi, has set a target to install over 30,000 solar photovoltaic irrigation pumps by spending Rs 434 crore under PM KUSUM Yojana in the financial year 2023-24 of which the state and central government’s shares would be Rs 217.84 crore and Rs 217.09 crore respectively.”

The responsibility of implementing this action plan in the state has been given to the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Agency (UPNEDA), through which a clean energy-based irrigation system will be provided to the farmers of 75 districts through surface and submersible pump installation, said the statement.

The Yogi government has set the target of installing 30,000 solar photo voltaic irrigation pumps under the project.

According to the guidelines of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India, 60 percent of the benchmark cost of the installation of standalone solar pumps of different capacities up to 7.5 HP will be provided as grant, 30 percent each of which will be borne by the centre and the state, it added.

Farmers who are interested in installing standalone solar pumps through the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund can deposit the necessary farmer’s share by obtaining a loan from a bank at the same time. The state and central governments will contribute 3 per cent each of the total interest rebate of 6 per cent on this, it said.

The statement further stated that the installation of these pumps will assist farmers in adopting solar-powered irrigation, offering them an affordable and eco-friendly energy source.

This move represents a substantial contribution to environmental preservation, contributing to the mitigation of climate change threat and the reduction of carbon emissions in the region.

Simultaneously, it will lead to reduced irrigation costs as farmers rely less on electricity and diesel for their operations. Selection will be based on a first-come, first-served approach, it added.

According to the recently approved revised action plan, UPNEDA will assist in the installation of various solar pumps, including 1800 W 2 HP DC and AC surface and submersible pumps, 3000 W 3 HP DC-AC submersible pumps, 4800 W 5 HP AC submersible pumps, 6750 W 7.5 HP AC submersible pumps, and 9000 W 10 HP AC submersible pumps, said the statement.

To take advantage of this scheme, interested individuals must register on the Agriculture Department’s website, www.upagriculture.com. Following registration, farmers should select the pump specifications and categories for which they wish to apply for eligibility, it added.

Subsequently, the allocation of tokens to farmers will commence, and this allocation will be based on a first-come, first-served basis.

During the application process, farmers will be required to make an online payment of Rs 5000 as a token deposit. Subsidies for the installation of solar pumps will be provided to farmers according to the allocated targets for all districts, said the statement. 

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

Jaahnavi Kandula death: Community members in Seattle hold rally to demand justice for her

OpIndia Staff
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Jaahnavi Kandula death: Community members in Seattle hold rally to demand justice for her

More than 200 members of the Indian community organised a rally on December 16 at the spot where Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula from Andhra Pradesh was run over and killed by a speeding police patrol car. The protesters demanded sensitivity, respect, and imprisonment for the police officers who committed the crime.

The 23-year-old Jaahnavi was struck by a police four-wheeler which was driven by Officer Kevin Dave as she crossed a street. In a bodycam video released by the Seattle Police Department on September 11, officer Daniel Auderer chuckled about the fatal collision and denied any suggestion that the other policeman might have been at blame or that a criminal investigation was required.

In the released video, Seattle police Department union leader Daniel Auderer was heard laughing and suggesting that Jaahnavi Kandula was 26, and her life had “limited value” and that the city should just “write a cheque” worth USD 11,000. “Eleven thousand dollars. She was 26, anyway. She had limited value.”

Residents of the Seattle region assembled in Denny Park and marched to the junction where the incident happened. They carried placards that read, “Jaahnavi had more value than the Seattle Police Department”, and “Justice for Jaahnavi, jail killer cops.” The Bothell-based charity UTSAV organised the demonstration.

Representative Vandana Slatter, D-Bellevue addressed the crowd and stated, “We’re not a monolith, the Indian community. There’s diaspora in the community, but we are all united today.”

The officer’s remarks on a clip, taken the night of the tragedy, have provoked fury throughout the world. The protesters emphasised that the victim’s life was valuable. Shifali Jamwal, who also brought her 3-year-old kid to the rally, asserted that Jaahnavi Kandula was a master’s student who came to the United States to further her education so “her life would have more value.”

She said, “I can only imagine what Jaahnavi’s mom is going through.” A 25-year-old participant Kyla Carrillo described the cop’s statements as “completely disrespectful.” She mentioned, “Not even unbelievable, not shocking, but just for (him) to value somebody’s life as such was disrespectful.” Marchers placed bouquets beneath a sign and ignited tea lights to form the word “Jaahnavi” between the lanes of the crossroads.

Jaahnavi Kandula was scheduled to receive her master’s in information systems from Northeastern University’s Seattle campus in December. According to her family, she was attempting to support her mother in India.

Kenneth W. Henderson, Chancellor of Northeastern University conveyed his sadness at her passing on September 15 in a statement posted on the school’s official Facebook page. It read, “Her loss will be felt deeply by students, staff, and faculty. The university plans to award Jaahnavi her degree posthumously and present it to her family.”

Community members and the mayor along with the police chief of Seattle had a meeting earlier on September 16 to discuss the airing of the bodycam video. They said that while they do not support the abolition of the police, but Seattle must enhance training and continue to interact with the South Asian community.

The founder of UTSAV, Arun Sharma, added that if the Police Department fails to pursue action against the accused, the group is going to escalate its response. “Let’s not wait for another major incident like this to wake us up. Immigrants die by a thousand cuts”, he said.

“Who had unlimited value,” the crowd chanted and responded “Jaahnavi Kandula. Say her name. Jaahnavi Kandula,” before leaving from there.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has also raised concerns over the handling of the case and has demanded a thorough investigation and action against those involved.  

Police remand of Nuh violence conspirator and Congress MLA Mamman Khan extended by two days

OpIndia Staff
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Police remand of Nuh violence conspirator and Congress MLA Mamman Khan extended by two days

On Sunday (September 17), the Nuh district court remanded Congress MLA Mamman Khan for an additional two days of police custody in connection to the Sobha yatra attack in July this year.

The police have registered three more First Information Reports (FIRs) against Khan in connection to the Nuh violence. They informed the court that the Congress MLA had to be interrogated in connection to FIR No. 137, 148 and 150.

The cops have named Khan as one of the key conspirators in the July 31 attack on the Shobha yatra. They have seized his phone, and laptop and are reviewing the Congress leader’s social media activity.

The police are also looking for evidence of his meetings with other co-accused in the Nuh violence. Following the arrest of Mamman Khan on the night of September 14, a picture of him attending Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY) went viral on social media.

According to Haryana’s Additional Advocate General, Deepak Sabharwal, there existed call detail records, location tracking via a phone tower, a statement provided by the MLA’s personal security officer, and additional evidence that contradicted Mamman Khan’s assertion.

Police inquiries have uncovered alleged communication between Khan and a suspect identified as Mohammad Taufiq through phone records. Taufiq has already been apprehended for his purported role in the violence. 

Violence in Nuh

On July 31, violence broke out in Haryana’s Nuh district during the ‘Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra,’ which was organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal.

Vehicles were burnt and stones pelted at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Jalabhishek Yatra as clashes erupted between two communities in the Muslim-majority region of Mewat in Haryana. A total of 5 people were killed in the carnage.

Republican presidential candidacy hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy aims to end the H-1B visa program, promises to replace it with meritocratic system

OpIndia Staff
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Republican presidential candidacy hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy aims to end the H-1B visa program, promises to replace it with meritocratic system

Indian American Republican Presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his plans to completely overhaul the H-1B visa programme including “ending” the lottery-based system, in case he wins the 2024 Presidential elections, US news outlet Politico reported on Saturday (16 September). 

According to Politico, GOP candidate Ramaswamy has vowed to “gut” the system for H-1B temporary worker visas if he wins the presidential elections. However, he added that he would replace the current lottery-based system with meritocratic admission. 

Speaking to Politico, Ramaswamy said that the H-1B system is “bad for everyone involved,” and labelled the visa progamme as “indentured servitude”. 

He asserted, “The lottery system needs to be replaced by actual meritocratic admission. It’s a form of indentured servitude that only accrues to the benefit of the company that sponsored an H-1B immigrant. I’ll gut it.” 

In his statement to the news outlet, he also added that the U.S. needs to eliminate “chain-based migration”.

He explained, “The people who come as family members are not the meritocratic immigrants who make skills-based contributions to this country.”

Notably, the H-1B visa is a much sought-after visa programme among Indian IT professionals. It is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in tech and other specialised jobs. 

In fact, this is the very system Ramaswamy has used in the past to hire high-skilled foreign workers for the pharma company that contributed significantly to his wealth.

As per media reports, between 2018 and 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approved 29 applications for Ramaswamy’s former company, Roivant Sciences, to hire employees under H-1B visas. 

In February 2021, Ramaswamy stepped down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Roivant. he retained his position as the chairman of the company’s board of directors until February of this year, when he declared his candidacy for the presidency. According to corporate filings, the company and its subsidiaries, as of March 31, had 904 full-time employees, including 825 in the U.S.

When asked about the mismatch in Ramaswamy’s policy stance and his past business practices, press secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the role of a policymaker “is to do what’s right for a country overall: the system is broken and needs to be fixed.”

In a statement, she said, “Vivek believes that regulations overseeing the U.S. energy sector are badly broken, but he still uses water and electricity. This is the same.”

Earlier, during his opening remarks at the first Republican debate in Milwaukee, Ramaswamy acknowledged his own experience with immigration. He said, “My parents came to this country with no money 40 years ago. I have gone on to found multi-billion-dollar companies.”

It is important to note that his stance on H-1B visas is reminiscent of the 2016 Trump campaign. Back then, Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, who had also hired a number of foreign workers under H-1B visas for his businesses, took a hardline stance on these foreign workers however, he later softened his rhetoric.

Meanwhile, the demand for H-1B visas among workers are only on rise. For fiscal year 2021, saw a jump of 60% when U.S. businesses submitted 780,884 applications for just 85,000 available slots.

Every year, the US gives 65,000 H-1B visas which are open to all and 20,000 to those with advanced US degrees. 

Earlier, in July, Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced a bill to propose doubling the annual intake of highly skilled foreign workers on H-1B work visas. 

The bill sought to double the number of H-1B visas available annually from 65,000 to 130,000 to allow American employers. These include employment in critical technology sectors, to draw the best talent from around the world. Presently, around three-fourths of H-1B visas go to Indian professionals.

Uttar Pradesh: Shaukeen and his wife arrested for concealing identity for illegal conversion of Dalit Christian youth Sooraj to Islam in Shamli

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Shaukeen and his wife arrested for concealing identity for illegal conversion of Dalit Christian youth Sooraj to Islam in Shamli

On Saturday, 16th September 2023, police arrested a couple for the unlawful conversion of a Dalit Christian man to Islam in the Thana Bhawan area of Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district. The arrested individuals are identified as Shaukeen and his wife Kamarbatoon alias Mahi, both residents of Okhla in New Delhi.

Shamli’s Superintendent of Police Abhishek said that the couple converted a Dalit Christian man a few days ago. The police have lodged a case against the couple under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. The SP further said, “The accused are also said to be involved in the conversion of some other people from the village. Our teams are investigating.”

The Superintendent of Police in Shamli, Abhishek, said that the police received information regarding the suspicious activities of a young individual named Sooraj and his associate, Mahi, within Madalpur village. Following this, both Sooraj and Mahi were taken into custody and brought to the Thanabhawan police station for further questioning. During the interrogation, the information disclosed led to the conclusion that Shaukeen and his wife, who presented herself as a Christian using the name Mahi, had forced Sooraj to convert to Islam.

Sooraj, a young individual of the Dalit community who had embraced Christianity approximately two years ago, established contact with Mahi through an online gaming platform. In their online communication, Mahi initially represented herself as a Christian. As their conversations progressed, they discussed a shared experience of encountering supernatural challenges in their lives. Subsequently, both Sooraj and Mahi made a visit to a priest located in the Karali region of Chandigarh, seeking guidance and solutions to address the issues they were purportedly facing.

Mahi shared with Sooraj that she was living with her maternal uncle, Shaukeen, in the Okhla area of Delhi and extended an invitation for him to visit. Sooraj became wary when he saw her Aadhaar card, which indicated her name as Kamarbatoon and her place of residence as Jogipura in Bijnor. However, Mahi successfully allayed his suspicions by explaining that her family background was a mix, with her mother following Christianity and her father adhering to the Muslim faith.

Sooraj told the police that during his visit to Delhi, Shaukeen and Mahi introduced him to an unknown person. This individual made efforts to convince Sooraj that Christianity and Islam shared many similarities and encouraged him to convert to Islam. Concurrently, Mahi and Shaukeen provided instructions to Sooraj on the proper way to perform Namaz, and as part of this conversion process, his name was altered to Asad.

It was only during the course of the interrogation that the police uncovered Mahi’s true relationship with Shaukeen – she was, in fact, Shaukeen’s wife. This revelation clarified that the couple had intentionally concealed their marital bond in a deliberate attempt to deceive Sooraj and force him to convert to Islam.

Conference tourism, collateral-free loan for Vishwakarma and more – PM Modi speaks at the inauguration of Yashobhoomi in Delhi

OpIndia Staff
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Conference tourism, collateral-free loan for Vishwakarma and more – PM Modi speaks at the inauguration of Yashobhoomi in Delhi

On 17th September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated Yashobhoomi to the people of India. It is an exhibition centre located in Dwarka in Delhi. At the event, PM Modi also launched PM Vishwakarma Yojna. PM Modi called the new scheme a new ray of hope for millions of artisan families nationwide in his address. He added that Yoshobhoomi Centre will become a bridge between the artisans and the world. “It will help showcase local Bharat products and globalise them,” he added.

During his address, PM Modi emphasised the importance of Vishwakarma in day-to-day life. Eighteen categories have been identified initially for the PM Vishwakarma scheme, which includes carpenters, blacksmiths, hairdressers, tool makers, potters, and more. The PM said these Vishwakarmas are the country’s backbone, and day-to-day life is impossible without these workers. He gave an example of how, even in today’s time, people prefer water from clay pots over cold water from a fridge.

PM Modi said, “It is important to understand the importance of the artisans and give them their rightful place. The government has come forward as support to help Vishwakarma progress.” PM Modi added that the government of India will spend Rs 13,000 crore on the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

Remembering his trip to Brussels 30-35 years ago, he said during his trip, the organisers took him on a trip to the city. “When I asked what was famous in the city, I was amazed to learn that the demand for handmade jewellery was far more than machine-made jewellery.” He said the demand for handmade products is increasing.

Incentive for Vishwkarmas during training

PM Modi said, “Large enterprises often give work to small companies to complete their projects. The government is working to ensure Vishwakarma become part of the supply chain. Training, technology and tools are important for Vishwakarma. Thus, the government is emphasising training.”

PM Modi gave relief to the artisans who want to get training but find it hard as they live on day-to-day earnings. He said, “During the training period, every Vishwakarma will get a Rs 500 incentive. It will help the artisans to concentrate on training and improve their skills.”

Furthermore, once the training is done, every Vishwakarma will get a voucher for Rs 15,000 to buy an advanced toolkit. In return, PM Modi asked every Vishwakarma to promise him that they will buy tools only from GST-registered shops and will make sure that the tools they are buying are Made in India.

Collateral-free loan for Vishwakarma worth Rs 3 lakh

PM Modi also announced a collateral-free loan for Vishwakarmas. Once they complete their training and get new tools, banks will offer them a collateral-free loan of Rs 1 lakh. Once they return the loan, another credit line worth Rs 2 lakh will be available. He said, “Collateral-free loan means I am giving your guarantee.”

PM Modi once again reminded the people of India to emphasise being vocal for locals in upcoming festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Dusshera, Diwali and more. He said, “I request people of India to buy local. It does not mean you only buy a few locally-made diyas. Ensure every product you buy during festival season is Made in India.”

Yashobhoomi and Bharat Mandapam to promote conference tourism

PM Narendra Modi said the conference tourism business is worth Rs 25 lakh crore worldwide. Several Indian companies go to other countries for exhibitions and conferences. Every year, 32,000 exhibitions and expos are organised worldwide. India’s share in conference tourism is only one per cent. He said, “World-class conference centres like Yashobhoomi and Bharat Mandapam will boost conference tourism in India. The country is preparing itself for conference tourism. With these centres, the national capital will become a hub for conference tourism.” He added that Yashobhoomi alone has opened job opportunities for lakhs of youths.

PM Modi invited companies and organisers to conduct exhibitions at Yashobhoomi and Bharat Mandapam. He also invited people from the film industry to organise award functions at Yashobhoomi and launch the first shows of movies at these centres.

Ambedkar Nagar, UP: Accused Shahbaz, Faisal, and Arbaz injured in police encounter, had killed a schoolgirl while trying to sexually harass her

OpIndia Staff
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Ambedkar Nagar, UP: Accused Shahbaz, Faisal, and Arbaz injured in police encounter, had killed a schoolgirl while trying to sexually harass her

On Sunday (17 September), the three accused in the Ambedkar Nagar harassment case, that caused the death of a schoolgirl in a road accident, attempted to run away from Police personnel. In their fleeing attempt, the accused also tried to snatch weapons from the police personnel, prompting the police personnel to fire shots at them. 

In the police encounter, two accused, namely Shahbaz and Faisal, were shot in the legs, while the third accused, Arbaz, broke his leg when he tripped while attempting to flee. 

Ambedkar Nagar SP Ajit Sinha said that the incident took place when the accused were taken to the hospital for medical tests. All the accused have been booked under Sections 302, 354, 298 and 304 of the IPC along with relevant sections of the POCSO Act.

The accused were arrested on Sunday morning, and they were taken for a medical examination before taking to the court. Police said that while going to the hospital, the accused asked to stop the vehicle to urinate. However, when the vehicle stopped, they snatched a riffle from the driver, fired at the police personnel and started running away.

As a result, the cops opened fire targeting their legs. Shahbaz and Faisal were shot, while the third accused tripped and fell, fracturing his leg. The injured accused were admitted at Baskhari Community Health Center for treatment amid heavy security.

It is notable that the criminal act took place when the accused pulled the dupatta of a schoolgirl while she was returning home from school on Friday, September 15, causing her to meet with a fatal road accident. The horrifying incident, which was captured on CCTV, occurred when one of the accused on a two-wheeler attempted to molest her and tried to pull her dupatta while she was riding her cycle. 

The SP said that the accused will be taken into remand after they are released from hospital, chargesheet will be filed and get them convicted within a month.

The molestation attempt caused the 17-year-old victim to fall on the road and get hit by another bike passing by. She was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared her dead.

Based on the CCTV footage and information gathered from the eyewitnesses, the police arrested the accused. The Ambedkarnagar police took to X to inform that an investigation had been launched into the case. The police also arrested all the three accused. 

The victim’s friend who was accompanying her when the incident took place, narrated the ordeal. She said that she was returning home from school with her friends. Crying inconsolably, she added that Shahbaz, Faisal, and another boy were chasing her. They were regularly harassing them. 

On Friday, one of them pulled her dupatta directly due to which she fell from the bicycle. Moments after that, Faisal ran the bike over her from behind. ‘By the time I reached there, blood was coming from her mouth and she could not say anything’, the friend said. Later, she was declared dead in the hospital. 

The victim’s father Sabhajeet Verma told the media that his daughter was a student of Biology. She was very good at studies and wanted to become a doctor. 

He added that he had given a verbal complaint to the police a week ago about the activities of these miscreants but the police did not take any notice. He added that if action had been taken at that time, his daughter would have been alive today. 

He said that her mother had died 8 years ago, along with studies, his daughter also used to do household work. The father said that he had sent his daughter to study so that she would be a support in his old age, now neither his daughter nor his wife were left.

The tragic incident unfolded in the Hirapur market area which comes under the jurisdiction of the Hanswar police station in Ambedkar Nagar, UP. The victim was a native of Barhi Aidilpur in the Hanswar police station area. The 17-year-old victim was studying at Ramraji Inter College in Haripur.

Day 5 of Anantnag Operation: 100-hour-long encounter continues between security forces and terrorists in dense forests of Kokernag

OpIndia Staff
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Day 5 of Anantnag Operation: 100-hour-long encounter continues between security forces and terrorists in dense forests of Kokernag

The encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag has entered its fifth day. Thousands of soldiers, including para-commandos, continue to participate in an incessant gunfight deep within the forested Gadole region of Kokernag. According to the most recent information, a fire broke out close to the terrorist base in Kokernag.

The terrorists are prolonging the confrontation by staying away from the forces. They are taking leverage of the treacherous terrain and forest cover to do the same. The area is also connected to the Pir Panjal mountain range. Security forces launched a huge attack on the terrorists on September 16 using mortar rounds, to flush out the terrorists who had killed the four security personnel.

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, commander of the Northern Army also reached Ground Zero to assess the situation of the operation. He travelled to the scene of the gunfight and ground commanders briefed him on the high-intensity operation using cutting-edge surveillance and firepower delivery systems. The use of precise fire by the forces has greatly impacted the operation.

The implementation of modern technology, such as drones and helicopters, has been done during the operation to locate and eliminate the terrorists. The security forces have shot hundreds of mortar shells and rockets over the course of the last 100 hours.

Terrorists are reportedly trying to conserve their ammunition and are not firing consistently. Drones and helicopters have been used during the operation to provide surveillance in the dense woodland area of Gadole in the Kokernag region of south Kashmir. These innovative devices have proven crucial in navigating the steep terrain and identifying the terrorists’ hiding places within the forest.

A terrorist was seen scurrying for cover in the drone footage from September 15 after security troops shelled one of these hideouts.

The security forces are also being helped with quadcopters and drones in their effort to locate the terrorists who are holed up in the Kokernag area. “The forces fired mortar shells on the terrain where they believe the terrorists are hiding, based on drone surveillance,” an official informed. In addition to the challenging terrain, bad weather has also made it difficult for security forces to track the terrorists.

Four security personnel, including Colonel Manpreet Singh, Commanding Officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Company Commander Major Ashish Dhonchak, Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Muzamil Bhat, and a soldier were killed in action during the operation which began on 13 September. 

They were a member of the group that attempted to use the sole accessible route to approach the terrorist base and were heavily fired upon.

The banned Resistance Front, a shadow group of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the ghastly attack.

Janmadinamidan Ayi Priya Sakhe: Young woman sings Sanskrit song to PM Modi on Delhi Metro to wish him on his birthday

ANI
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Janmadinamidan Ayi Priya Sakhe: Young woman sings Sanskrit song to PM Modi on Delhi Metro to wish him on his birthday

On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on Sunday, a commuter on the Delhi metro extended greetings to the former in Sanskrit. 

PM Modi, earlier today, inaugurated the extension of the Delhi Airport Metro Express line from Dwarka Sector 21 to a new metro station ‘YashoBhoomi Dwarka Sector 25’.

After the inauguration, he took a ride on the Delhi Metro. 

While the Prime Minister was travelling via the metro, his co-traveller greeted him by singing a birthday song in Sanskrit. 

“Janma-dinam-idham ayī prīya sakhe | shantanotu te sarvadā mudam || prārthayāmahe bhava shatāyushī | īshvaras-sadā tvām cha rakshatu || punya karmanā kīrtimārjaya | jīvanam tava bhavatu sārthakam (Happy birthday to the dear one. May this birthday bring joy and prosperity to you. Praying to god for your long life. May god always protect you. May you walk on the path of noble deeds and your life be fulfilled)”, she sang to PM Modi. 

Visuals showed PM Modi interacting with the passengers inside the Metro, who also took selfies and wished him a happy birthday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also officially unveil Phase 1 of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), known as Yashobhoomi in Dwarka.

The nearly 2-kilometre-long ‘Yashobhoomi line’ of the Delhi Metro will connect Dwarka Sector 21 and India International Convention Centre.

With the addition of this section, the total length of the Airport Express Line from New Delhi to Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 will become 24.9 km,” the DMRC said in a statement.

From today the Delhi Metro will also increase the operational speed of Metro trains on Airport Express Line from 90 to 120 km/hr reducing the travel time. The total journey from New Delhi to YashoBhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 will take about 21 minutes.

Also, PM Modi is set to launch the ‘Vishwakarma’ scheme for the benefit of traditional artisans. 

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, PM Modi announced that the government will soon launch a scheme for individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship.

His vision extends beyond providing financial assistance; it aims to preserve age-old traditions, culture, and the rich heritage embodied in local products, art, and crafts, the release said.

“PM Vishwakarma” will receive full funding from the Union Government, with an impressive allocation of Rs 13,000 crore.

The scheme will register ‘Vishwakarma’, who create using their hands and tools, at no cost through Common Services Centres, utilising the biometric-based ‘PM Vishwakarma’ portal. These artisans and craftspeople will receive recognition in the form of a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, read the press release.

The PM Vishwakarma scheme will offer skill enhancement through both basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support, read the press release.

At its core, “PM Vishwakarma” seeks to bolster and nurture the ‘Guru-Shishya parampara’ (mentor-disciple tradition) and the family-based practice of traditional skills among ‘Vishwakarma’, who create using their hands and tools. 

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

Rajasthan: Female officer of the secretariat bought 26 flats worth ₹4.7 crore and registered them in 2 days, builder says cheques bounced

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: Female officer of the secretariat bought 26 flats worth ₹4.7 crore and registered them in 2 days, builder says cheques bounced

Corruption has become rampant in Congress-ruled Rajasthan where recently another massive scam has surfaced. Here, a female official named Jyoti Bhardwaj appointed to the post of Financial Advisor in the Personnel Department of government secretary at the Jaipur Secretariat purchased 26 flats worth crores in a year and concluded their registration in only two days. Now, a disproportionate asset case has been registered in her name.

The property was bought from Ajay Singh, Director of Boney Buildtech located in JDA Market, Mansarovar Link Road, Jaipur and no loan was taken for it in anyone’s name. The cheques that were issued for the registration have not been cashed in one and a half years. The matter is ongoing in the court.

15 of them were registered in Jyoti Bhardwaj’s own name and 11 were in the name of her son Rohan Vashishtha. After the matter came to light, the builder charged that he had been a victim of fraud. The accused was in charge of making purchases at the Store of the Personnel Department. She previously served as Raj Rishi Bhartrihari Matsya University, formerly known as Matsya University’s financial controller as well as district treasurer in Alwar for a significant amount of time.

Employees are required to provide the government with information on their property every year. Three houses were stated in the property details by the culprit, one of which is in her husband Arvind Lawaniya’s name and he has an active loan on the same. The documents unveiled that the other two houses were in her name which were also on loan.

The 26 apartments valued at Rs 4 crore 71 lakh were recorded in the Sub Register Office in Jaipur on 4 and 5 March of last year along with Rs 30 lakh in stamp duty. Payment for the flat was made by cheque at the time of registration, but it has yet to be deposited in the bank. According to the registry, 15 flats bought for Rs 2.74 crore were registered in her name on 5 March and stamp duty totalling Rs. 17.8 lakh was paid for the same. The flat numbers 1205, 1207, 1203, 1204, 1214, 1216, 1007, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1104, 1105, 1115, 1116 and 1119 are registered in the name of Jyoti Bhardwaj.

On the other hand, the registration of 11 flats in the son’s name was completed on 4 March and comprises flat numbers 707, 714, 804, 807, 814, 816, 904, 1008, 919, 1004, and 916. They cost Rs 1.97 crore and Rs. 12.24 lakh in stamp duty was submitted.

Anurag Singh, son of the builder, alleged that they were scammed and all cheques had bounced. An investigation has been ordered in the case against the offender for financial irregularities and disproportionate assets. The Accounts and Personnel Department is looking into why she failed to include the acquisition in the yearly asset statement submitted by government officials and employees. A notice is being issued to the officer seeking clarification.

Action has been initiated to seek clarification by sending a notice to her in this regard. The perpetrator defended herself and claimed, “There is business transaction between Ajay Singh and my husband Arvind Lawaniya. The flat deal is a part of it. Only Anurag would be able to give complete information about this. The dispute between the two is also going on in the court.”

The spouse alleged that some cheques were in Jyoti Bhardwaj’s name while others were in his and the issue of the uncashed cheque is strictly a judicial one.

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