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Prayagraj: ‘ISIS inspired’ Mohammad Arif chops mother and sister into pieces giving cries of ‘Allah Hu Akbar’, sets fire to his house, attacks cops with acid

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Prayagraj: ‘ISIS inspired’ Mohammad Arif chops mother and sister into pieces giving cries of ‘Allah Hu Akbar’, sets fire to his house, attacks cops with acid

In a shocking case in Prayagraj, a man named Mohammad Arif (35) murdered his mother and sister using an axe. The accused gave the Islamic war cry “Allah hu Akbar” while committing the murders. His father and nephew too were seriously injured in the attack as Mohammad Arif tried to murder other members of his family.

After the murders, Arif set fire to the house.

Arif’s elder brother, Mohammad Azam, who managed to save himself, reportedly said that the former held radical views. “Arif held radical views. He was shouting ‘Allah hu Akbar’ while killing his mother and sister,” Mohammad Azam, brother of accused said. A video doing the rounds on social media shows Arif walking on the balcony with a black flag.

The accused pelted stones at the police upon their arrival. He also hurled on them 250 glass bottles filled with acid, and set fire to the house using the gas cylinder. The police had to release tear gas in order to bring Arif into their control. It was only after 2.5 hours of struggle that the police could catch hold of the radical. More than 24 people were reportedly injured in the acid attack and stone pelting.

Mohammad Arif throw 250 glass bottles filled with acid at the police (Source: Dainik Bhaskar)

It has come to light that Mohammad Arif used to watch ISIS videos and read books about the terrorist organisation. He had hatched a conspiracy to launch the attack almost a week ago. Arif told his brother Azam to vacate the house and live in another house which was built nearby. When Azam and other family members refused to leave, Arif chopped his mother and sister into pieces.

His elder brother Mohammaad Azam reportedly said that Arif had help from two of his friends. He intended to finish the entire family and had carried with him a knife, sword, daggar, chain, and acid.

The police nabbed Mohammad Arif after 2.5 hour-long attempt at evading arrest (Source: Sudhir Mishra/Twitter)

His brother said, “He also set fire to the house. He attacked my son and wife too. When I reached upon hearing their cries, Arif attacked me too. Somehow, I managed to escape into a room with my son and wife.” Mohammad Azam also reportedly said that Arif had a problem with the family and would harass his mother, sister, father, and Azam’s family too. His mother and father had registered complaints twice in the past in the Kareli police station. “Whenever the police summoned him, he would apologize. And then he would repeat the same behavior,” the brother said.

Mohammad Azam, brother of the accused (Source: Dainik Bhaskar)

Mohammad Arif had the support of his wife and the couple reportedly had frequent conflicts with the other family members. His family was against their marriage but couldn’t resist his demand. The brother added that Arif’s wife would mix toilet water in the food meant for others. In a carefully planned attack, Arif had shifted his wife, a government employee, and 6-year-old daughter to the wife’s maternal home. He kept his daughter away from his mother and would take her to his in-laws after his wife would leave for work.

Father of the accused has been admitted to a local hospital. Bodies of the mother and sister have been sent for post-mortem. The cops have recovered 60 bottles of acid. A complaint has been filed by the brother of the accused.

Seven NCP MLAs from Nagaland declare their support to Ajit Pawar, another major setback for Sharad Pawar

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Seven NCP MLAs from Nagaland declare their support to Ajit Pawar, another major setback for Sharad Pawar

On Thursday, 20th July 2023, Seven NCP MLAs from Nagaland extended support to Ajit Pawar. All the seven MLAs and other office-bearers of NCP in Nagaland will support Ajit Pawar.

Nagaland NCP state president Vanthungo Odyuo met Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare in Maharashtra. The decision was later announced. While Sharad Pawar is facing the challenge of rebuilding the party as Ajit Pawar defected and joined the NDA government in Maharashtra with 40 other NCP MLAs and key leaders from the organization.

Sharad Pawar has suffered another major setback as all the seven MLAs from Nagaland joined the Ajit Pawar group.

Nagaland NCP state president Vanthungo Odyuo said that the NCP MLAs from Nagaland have given a letter of support to senior NCP leader Praful Patel. Nagaland Nationalist Congress Party’s Brijmohan Srivastava issued a statement following the decision.

The statement said, “Nationalist Congress Party Nagaland has decided that all MLAs and office bearers here will support the party’s national president Ajit Pawar. We will work under the leadership of NCP national president Ajit Pawar and working president Praful Patel.”

This decision taken by seven Nagaland MLAs is considered to be a big setback for Sharad Pawar.

Ajit Pawar held a press conference soon after becoming deputy chief minister on 2nd July 2023. Even then, he staked claim to the party and the symbol. He had also mentioned Nagaland in his press conference at that time. He cited the example of the NCP forming an alliance with the BJP in Nagaland.

In a startling political move, Ajit Pawar and eight other prominent leaders including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dhananjay Munde joined the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government on July 2 which resulted in a major split in the NCP. Ajit Pawar was appointed deputy chief minister while the others were sworn in as ministers in a ceremony conducted at the Raj Bhavan.

UP: Aligarh Muslim University student Faizan Ansari arrested by NIA for ISIS links

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UP: Aligarh Muslim University student Faizan Ansari arrested by NIA for ISIS links

 The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested a 19-year-old student of Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for his alleged links with ISIS, a proscribed terrorist organization.

The accused, Faizan Ansari alias Faiz, was arrested after searches at his house and rented accommodation in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh as part of NIA’s crackdown against modules of ISIS operating in the country, said the NIA. Faizan has been taken into custody in a case registered by the NIA on July 19 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The agency will be progressing with its investigations to unravel all the facets of the international conspiracy.

The searches at the house of the accused in Lohardaga district of Jharkhand and a rented room in Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh were conducted on July 16 and 17 and several electronic devices and incriminating materials and documents were seized, said the anti-terror agency.

As per the NIA, Faizan had hatched a criminal conspiracy along with his associates and other unknown individuals through social media platforms to support ISIS activities in India and disseminate the outfit’s propaganda over various social media platforms.

“The conspiracy was aimed at carrying out violent terror attacks in India on behalf of ISIS,” the NIA said.

Investigations have revealed that Faizan and his associates had pledged their allegiance to the Islamic State, stated the agency, adding “The accused was also actively in the process of radicalizing neo-converts and attracting them to the terrorist fold for enriching the cadre base of the ISIS in India.”

Faizan was in contact with foreign-based ISIS handlers who were guiding him on recruitment to the banned outfit, said the NIA. “Along with other members of the ISIS, he was planning violent actions and was contemplating doing ‘hijrat’ to an ISIS conflict theatre abroad.” 

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

Manipur police arrest four after viral video shows women paraded naked and gang raped

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Manipur police arrest four after viral video shows women paraded naked and gang raped

Four people have been arrested on Thursday in the horrifying viral video of women being paraded naked surfaced from Manipur.

“Four main accused arrested in the Viral Video Case: 03 (three) more main accused of the heinous crime of abduction and gangrape under Nongpok Sekmai PS, Thoubal District have been arrested today. So a total 04 (four) persons have been arrested till now,” Manipur Police tweeted. Meanwhile, Manipur Police are conducting raids and making all-out efforts to arrest the other culprits at the earliest, State Police tweeted.

Moreover, search operations and checking at nakas by the state police and central forces are being undertaken. “Search Operations and Checking at Nakas: State Police and Central forces continue to conduct search operations in the vulnerable and fringe areas of both valley and hill districts. 02 (two) arms with 05 (five) ammunitions were recovered in Imphal East District,” Manipur Police tweeted.

In connection with violations in different districts of Manipur, a total of 129 nakas and checkpoints are installed in different districts of Manipur and detained 657 persons in connection with violations. “A total of 129 Nakas/ Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and Police detained 657 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the State,” Manipur police tweeted.

“Movement of 464 (four hundred sixty-eight) vehicles on NH-37 and 138 (one hundred thirty-eight) vehicles on NH-2 with essential items have been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and a security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles,” Manipur police said.

Earlier today, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey expressed her strong condemnation of the viral video of women being paraded naked and allegedly sexually assaulted and directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to take immediate steps to book the perpetrators of this heinous crime and award exemplary punishment as per law.

Amidst a nationwide outcry over the appalling incident in Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that two individuals, including the primary perpetrator, have been apprehended. He emphasized that his government would spare no effort in seeking the death penalty for the accused.

“One was arrested yesterday and recently I got information that another one has also been arrested now. The interrogation is going on. The state police have arrested the suspected main culprit and those who involve have also been arrested and will be booked as per the law,” Singh said.

The violence in Manipur erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3 in protest against the proposed inclusion of people belonging to the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

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

Pakistan: Lahore court acquits prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, his son and wife in money laundering case

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Pakistan: Lahore court acquits prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, his son and wife in money laundering case

An accountability court in Lahore on Thursday acquitted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, his son Hamza Shehbaz and wife Nusrat Shehbaz in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) Rs 8 billion money laundering reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau, reported Dawn.

In August 2020, NAB filed an Rs 8 billion reference of money laundering against Shehbaz — who was the opposition leader at the time — his two sons and other family members. The court acquitted Shehbaz Sharif, all the co-accused, including his wife Nusrat Shehbaz, his daughter Javeria Ali, Hamza Shehbaz, Muhammad Usman, Masroor Anwar, Shoaib Qamar, Qasim Qayyum, Rashid Karamat, Ali Ahmed and Nisar Ahmed, except for one, according to Geo News report.

The court issued a perpetual arrest warrant for Shehbaz Sharif’s daughter Rabia Imran. As per the Geo News report, she had been declared absconder in the case.

The court’s decision comes after the accused filed petitions seeking acquittal on the basis of their argument on NAB’s inability to produce any evidence against them.

The NAB investigators have also said no evidence was found against them. While announcing the verdict, the court said that it had no other option except to acquit the accused as NAB has said they have no evidence against them.

In August 2020, the anti-graft watchdog filed the reference for the inquiry underway since 2018, Geo News reported. At the time, Shehbaz Sharif served as the leader of the opposition in the Pakistan National Assembly.

NAB arrested Shehbaz Sharif after the Lahore High Court rejected his bail in the case on September 29. An accountability court indicted Shehbaz Sharif, Hamza Shehbaz, and others accused on November 11, 2020. However, Shehbaz Sharif was released on bail in April 2021.

Last week, a special district court acquitted Shehbaz Sharif’s son Suleman Shehbaz and others accused in a money laundering case, Pakistan-based The Express Tribune reported.

The decision came as the district court was hearing acquittal pleas filed by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s son, Suleman, and other accused in PKR Rs 16 billion money laundering case. However, the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) have earlier replied to 27 questions asked by the court, reported The Express Tribune.

During the hearing, the court asked whether the FIA had recorded any written statement by any witness during the probe to which the FIA’s investigation officer (IO) Ali Mardan remained silent. The court further asked about their actions against those who kept changing their stance during the investigation.

According to the report, the investigation officer responded that no action was taken. However, the FIA lawyer added that there was no direct evidence against Suleman regarding money laundering, The Express Tribune reported.

The court accepted the pleas submitted by the accused and acquitted Suleman and others from the case. 

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

US Army soldier facing disciplinary action dashes into North Korea from South Korea, Pyongyang unresponsive to communication

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US Army soldier facing disciplinary action dashes into North Korea from South Korea, Pyongyang unresponsive to communication

A peculiar development has unfolded concerning the United States and North Korea which doesn’t involve missile tests and surveillance crafts. A US Army soldier identified as Private Travis King darted into the North Korean border on 18th July creating fresh challenges for the United States in its already stressed dealings with Pyongyang. Notably, Private King was reportedly due to face disciplinary action.

In a briefing on Wednesday, Pentagon said 23-year-old King crossed into North Korea “wilfully and without authorisation” while on an orientation tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) which is located on the border between Seoul and Pyongyang. King is a Cavalry Scout with the Korean Rotational Force, part of the US security commitment to South Korea.

The White House while responding to a media query on the issue said that the Department of Defense, the State Department, and the UN are all continuing to work together on this matter to ascertain the information about Private King’s well-being and his whereabouts. “We are still gathering all the facts. It is still very early on. I believe the Secretary himself of the Department of Defense said yesterday (18th July) it might take us a little bit of time to ascertain all of that information. But again, we’re gathering all the facts. But I want to be very clear that the administration has and will continue to actively work to ensure his safety and the return of Private King to us and to his family, obviously,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

The United States has reached out to Sweden and to South Korea on the matter. With no diplomatic ties between the US and North Korea, Sweden is largely representative of US interests in Pyongyang. On the question of whether the Biden administration reached out to China in this regard, Jean Pierre said she has no such engagement with China to read out but the government has engaged with Seoul and Stockholm.

King is reportedly believed to be in North Korean custody even as there have been no reports on the matter from the country. Pyongyang has not responded to any communication on the matter. A spokesperson for the US State Department, Mathew Miller, said, “Yesterday the Pentagon reached out to counterparts in the [North] Korean People’s Army. My understanding is that those communications have not yet been answered”.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, “There’s a lot that we’re still trying to learn. We believe that he is in (North Korean) custody and so we’re closely monitoring and investigating the situation and working to notify the soldier’s next of kin.”

Travis J King’s mother made appeals on camera saying that wants her son back. His family has reportedly said that King was grieving the loss of his cousin, dealing with the distance from his family, and acting unlike himself when he was arrested while being stationed in South Korea.

How Private Travis King crossed into North Korea

Private Travis T King had joined the US Army in January 2021 and was originally assigned to an element of the US 1st Armored Division. He was administratively attached to a unit in the 4th Infantry Division.

Reuters, quoting a South Korean court ruling, reported that Private King pleaded guilty to assault and destruction of public goods following an incident in October following which he was fined 5 million won ($4,000). King is said to have punched a man in the face at a club on 25th September but the case was settled. He was then allegedly involved in another brawl. When questioned, the report says, King continued his “aggressive behaviour” and gave no answers.

Private King also reportedly caused damage amounting to 584,000 won. He paid 1 million won for damaging a police vehicle.

US officials reportedly said that King’s military detention had concluded on 10th July and he was transported to the airport to return to his home unit in the United States to face additional disciplinary measures and a possible discharge from the military. King fled while after passing alone through the security gate at the airport. King had claimed to the airline crew that his passport was missing and was able to return to the main terminal from the gate.

King managed to join a pre-booked group tour of the demilitarized zone on the border on Tuesday. With the tour group, he went to a border truce village named Panmunjeom, in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. During the tour, he suddenly ran across the border crossing the demilitarized zone, catching everyone by surprise. US and South Korean soldiers tried to stop him, but he had already vanished behind buildings by then.

A witness on the tour group, named Sarah Leslie, recalled seeing King run “really fast” for about 10 meters down a narrow passageway between the blue buildings when he crossed over the North Korean border and disappeared from sight. “I assumed initially he had a mate filming him in some kind of really stupid prank or stunt, like a TikTok, the most stupid thing you could do. But then I heard one of the soldiers shout, ‘Get that guy’,” Leslie said.

A day before crossing over to North Korea, King had reportedly texted US military handlers that he had arrived at his gate. A Korean report says the US military police after escorting King had left without verifying whether he had boarded the scheduled flight.

Reports say King was laughing as he fled and gave out a “loud ha ha ha”.

Incidents of people entering North Korea illegally are very rare, as it is North Koreans who always try to escape into the south from the dictatorship of Kim Jong Un. North Korean defectors generally escape the country through China, as crossing the heavily guarded border into South Korea is very difficult, and the sea route is also not easy.

Argentina signs letter of intent with HAL to acquire indigenous light combat helicopters for its armed forces

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Argentina signs letter of intent with HAL to acquire indigenous light combat helicopters for its armed forces

On Thursday, July 20, Argentina’s Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) inked a Letter of Intent (LoI) pledging their commitment to a productive partnership and the purchase of Light and Medium Utility Helicopters for Argentina’s armed services.

According to a release from the Bengaluru-based PSU, the LoI was signed by the Argentinean Defence Minister Jorge Taiana and HAL Chairman and Managing Director C B Ananthakrishnan in Bengaluru.

Argentinean Defence Minister Jorge Taiana and HAL Chairman and MD C B Ananthakrishnan signing LoI in Bengaluru (Source: IADN Twitter handle)

A letter of intent (LOI) is a document that states a party’s initial intention to do business with another. The letter outlines the key conditions of a potential agreement.

“The Lol was signed by Jorge Taiana, Argentinian defence minister and HAL CMD CB Ananthakrishnan in the presence of Francisco Cafiero, secretary of international affairs, Ambassador Hugo Javier Gobbi, Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia and other senior officers from the Argentinian side and HAL,” the PSU said in a statement.

According to media reports, Taiana, who arrived in New Delhi on July 17 for a four-day visit, planned to sign a Rs 8,675 crore contract with India for the fourth-generation fighter aircraft Tejas Mark-1A and LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) Prachanda.

On July 18, 2023, Jorge Taiana met with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and discussed bilateral relations and pledged to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Argentina expresses interest in buying Tejas fighter aircraft

Notably, last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that after Malaysia, Colombia and several other countries, the South American nation Argentina had shown interest in buying Tejas. In August 2022, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar acknowledged Argentine interest in the Tejas fighter aircraft and highlighted the importance of the proposal in enhancing the strategic quotient of bilateral relationships. A joint press statement issued by both countries after the Joint Commission Meeting said, “EAM, acknowledging Argentine interest in the Made in India TEJAS fighter aircraft for Argentine Air Force, highlighted importance of the proposal in enhancing strategic quotient of the bilateral relationship.”

It is notable that Argentina is the first Latin American nation to show interest in acquiring Tejas for its air force. Before this, several other countries including Australia, Egypt, the USA, Indonesia, and the Philippines have shown interest in buying the fighter made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). 

HAL seals contract with Argentinian Air Force for supply of helicopter spares

In February this year, HAL inked a contract with the Argentinian Air Force (AAF) for the supply of spares and engine repair of legacy two-tonne class helicopters. The contract was signed by Brigadier General Xavier Issac, Chief of AAF and Chairman and Managing Director of HAL C B Ananthakrishnan on the sidelines of Aero India 2023.

Crores pulled out of poverty in Uttar Pradesh in last 6 years, says CM Yogi Adityanath, distributes appointment letters to 700 officers recruited under UPPSC

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Crores pulled out of poverty in Uttar Pradesh in last 6 years, says CM Yogi Adityanath, distributes appointment letters to 700 officers recruited under UPPSC

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the appointment letter distribution program of 700 newly appointed officers selected by the state’s public service commission organised at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow under Mission Rozgar on 20 July. According to him, Uttar Pradesh was being hollowed out by dishonest and unscrupulous individuals up till six years ago.

The chief minister also distributed appointment letters to the officials recruited by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC).

The Bharatiya Janata Stalwart stated, “Uttar Pradesh was not innately backward. Dishonest and corrupt people who were engaged in plundering the entire state held multiple positions. We must be prepared to fight corruption head-on. Casteism, corruption and discrimination are the biggest obstacles to development.”

He further continued, “5.5 crore people in Uttar Pradesh have come out of poverty and were now living decent lives. According to National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog figures, Uttar Pradesh is on track to emerge as the second-largest economy in the country and removed the label of being a BIMARU state.” The acronym has been used to refer to Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, to imply that they have lagged in terms of economic growth, healthcare and education.

He revealed, “Uttar Pradesh’s per capita income has doubled. The economy is on track to reach one trillion dollars. This has been made feasible through teamwork.”

He remarked, “The youth of Uttar Pradesh were experiencing an identity crisis six years ago. The young people felt embarrassed to identify as being from the state. However, things have changed in our government. The young generation of today enthusiastically identifies as Uttar Pradesh residents.”

The BJP leader added, “The development process for Uttar Pradesh is advancing rapidly. The work in the infrastructure sector is improving. The state as a whole has successfully executed poor welfare programmes. We are upholding the standards set for the government by the citizens of the state. This was made possible due to the concerted efforts of the government, administration and every employee.”

He informed, “Posts in the Ayush department were vacant for years following the Ayurveda scam. The entire procedure was hampered. Today 422 Ayush medical officers are being appointed here. We applaud Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving Ayush a new identity. Now it is your responsibility to speed up the work of the department by giving impetus to the Health and Wellness Center.”

He told the fresh recruits that their term of duty is between 30 to 35 years. “Your level of self-satisfaction will increase during this if you are sensitive and work honestly. We must carry out our duties with the 25 crore people in mind, and we must live up to their expectations. If you work diligently for Uttar Pradesh, the state will reward you with recognition and the opportunity to succeed.”

The programme included participation from the Ministers of Finance Suresh Khanna, Urban Development and Energy AK Sharma, Minister of Khadi and Village Industries Rakesh Sachan, Minister of State for Revenue Anoop Pradhan Balmiki, and Minister of State for Ayush Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu.

39 Deputy Collectors in the Appointments Division, 93 Deputy Superintendents of Police in the Home Division, 7 Food Marketing Officers/District Supply Officers in the Food and Logistics Division, 12 Treasury Officers/Accounts Officers in the Finance Division, 10 Executive Officers Category-1/Assistant Municipal Commissioners/Tax Assessment Officers in the Urban Development Division, 44 Tehsildars in the Revenue Division, 422 Medical Officers in the Ayush Division, 53 technical assistants, mining officers, and mines in the directorate of geology and mining, five Management Officers/Administrators in the Inspector, State Property Department and 15 Managers/Special Executives in the Khadi and Village Industries Board each received an appointment letter.

Notably, he distributed 10,000 appointment letters under Mission Rozgar in the Health Department in one and a half month time starting from 9 June. He also criticised the former Samajwadi Party-led administration in the state and asserted that while the uncle-nephew team used to extort money from the populace whenever job openings in the government were publicised, no one is able to do so now with regard to the state commissions or boards.

“We are taking the recruitment process for government jobs forward in a transparent manner by making better use of technology. The result of this is that there is enthusiasm among the youth of the state, who are also willing to contribute to the state’s progress,” he proclaimed while handing over the appointment letters to auxiliary nurses at Lok Bhawan. He also reffered to Uttar Pradesh as a “Saksham” (efficient) state.

Pakistan: Youth kills his 3 minor sisters by slitting their throats in Muzaffargarh, says he did it under the influence of PUBG game

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Pakistan: Youth kills his 3 minor sisters by slitting their throats in Muzaffargarh, says he did it under the influence of PUBG game

In a horrific incident in Pakistan’s Muzaffargarh, a youth killed his three minor sisters by slitting their throats. It has been reported that he committed the crime under the influence of the PUBG game.

The incident took place at the Thermal Power Colony in Muzaffargarh on Monday. The victims were identified as 7-year-old Fatima, 8-year-old Zahrah and 11-year-old Areesha. Their father Ejaz works as a security sergeant at the power plant.

As per reports, Fatima and Zahrah had gone outside to play on Monday evening at around 5 PM, but didn’t return home. After some time, their elder sister Areesha went out in their search, but she also didn’t return. When the family could not find the three minor girls, police were informed by their brother Basit.

After an extensive search, the bodies of the three sisters were found in a vacant quarter in the colony on Tuesday morning.  Their throats were found slit. District Police Officer (DPO) Muzaffargarh Syed Hasnain Haider said, “Immediately after receiving information from the girls’ family, the police initiated a search and discovered three bodies in an abandoned house near the victims’ home,

After an investigation, it was revealed that Basit himself had killed his sisters, then called the police and joined them in searching for the girls. Police suspected Basit after seeing a bruise on his hand. He confessed to the crime during the interrogation.

City Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rehan Rasool Afghan said that Basit allegedly killed his three sisters and later threw them in a vacant quarter. Police said they had registered a case against Basit who is a soldier, and have arrested him.

DSP Rehan Rasool Afghan further added that the accused was influenced by PUBG game and he confessed to killing his sisters.

A first information report (FIR) of the murders have been registered at the City police station under Section 302 (intentional murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

AAP govt failed to implement E-Vidhan Application even after 4 & half years, Delhi assembly is the only non-digitised house: Delhi LG VK Saxena

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AAP govt failed to implement E-Vidhan Application even after 4 & half years, Delhi assembly is the only non-digitised house: Delhi LG VK Saxena

In a move that could further escalate the fight between Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, LG has accused the AAP government in the national capital of being failed to implement National E-Vidhan Application (NeVA) which aims at making the digitization of Legislative Assemblies across the country.

Claiming that Delhi Legislative Assembly remains the only House in the country which has not initiated the digitization process so far, Saxena said that even eight years after the rollout of the ambitious NeVA in 2015, the government failed to implement it. Saxena further said that the Secretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has written to the LG Secretariat, urging for intervention into the matter and ensuring implementation of the project using the funds already available under the project NeVA.

“Despite 100 per cent funding being provided by the Central Government for the project, the AAP Government in Delhi, in 2019, refused to accept the Central Government’s financial and technical assistance for the project and instead, chose to develop the application on its own, at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore. However, the project is yet to see the light of the day despite a lapse of more than four-and-half years,” a statement by the LG office said quoting Saxena.

The LG Secretariat further said that it has forwarded the request to the Principal Secretary of Law, Justice and Legislative Affairs, Delhi for appropriate action in the matter.

It is noteworthy that all 37 Legislative Assemblies and Councils in the country, except Delhi Legislative Assembly, have already implemented or initiated the process for digitalization of the House.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs had written to Delhi Chief Secretary in February this year, asking the government of Delhi to adopt Project NeVA.

“The Government of India is providing 100 per cent funding for the Union Territory of Delhi for implementation of NeVA, for digitalization of Vidhan Sabha, for maintenance, upgradation, customization of the application, capacity building, Cloud deployment charges and charges for security audit for life,” read the letter written to the Chief Secretary, adding that since NeVA is a process based application, the recurring cost of running the Assembly would be the bare minimum and the entire saving will accrue to the government of Delhi, for spending and for convenience of the Legislators and the general public.

It may be noted that in January 2019, Delhi Assembly had decided to “opt-out” of Project NeVA saying it would develop the eViddhan project from its own budget, which was estimated at Rs 20 crore.

The statement further said that in his communication to Delhi Law Minister Kailash Gahlot on May 13 in 2020, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel acknowledged an “added urgent need to digitize and adopt electronic means of communication besides the various other advantages of the paperless legislature.

“However, the Delhi Assembly and the Delhi Government have kept sitting over the project since 2019,” the LG said. NeVA is one of the 44 mission mode projects under the Digital India Programme of the Union government seeking to make the functioning of all state legislatures paperless by transforming them into “Digital House”.

As per the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is a Unicode-compliant software developed to make all legislative body work and data available online for usage by both citizens and Assembly members. NeVA also includes a website and a mobile app.

This software allows for simple access to many documents such as the list of questions, list of businesses, and reports, among others. NeVA also embodies the concept of ‘One Nation, One Application’ with the objective of Cloud First and Mobile First to serve Members FIRST.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ in November 2021.

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

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