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“Blessings of the 140 crore Indians my ‘Suraksha Kavach’, weapons of abuse and lies cannot penetrate this guard”: PM Modi

OpIndia Staff
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“Blessings of the 140 crore Indians my ‘Suraksha Kavach’, weapons of abuse and lies cannot penetrate this guard”: PM Modi

On 8th February 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke in Lok Sabha while replying to the motion of thanks to the President’s address. During his speech, Narendra Modi recounted the union government’s work for the poor and middle-class people of India during the last 9 years of the Modi government. He also credited the people of India for the blessings and trust they have in him.

PM Narendra Modi said, “Any live organization or system is connected to the ground. They know what is going on in public discourse. They think about what is going on in people’s minds and accordingly change the direction of their actions. But those who think that they know everything, feel that abusing Modi is the way ahead and discrediting Modi will be beneficial for them. They have had this misunderstanding for the last 22 years. Trust in Modi is not because of the news headlines or the shining faces on television. I have invested every moment of my life in the people of my country and used it for the bright future of my country.”

He added, “People of the country believe in Modi and the trust is beyond the limits of their understanding. The trust people have in Modi is higher than their understanding and thinking limits. Will the 80 crores poor of my country, who get free ration, believe the people who make false allegations? One nation one ration card enables the poor to get ration anywhere in the country. How will that poor man believe in your false talks and dirty allegations? Will the 11 crore farmers who get PM Kisan Samman Nidhi thrice in a year in his bank account believe in your abuses and allegations? 3 crore people who were forced to live a life on a footpath, or in slums got pucca houses. Why would they believe in your false promises, abuses, and dirty talks?”

PM Narendra Modi further said, “9 crore people received a free gas connection. How will these people accept your lies? 11 crore women now have a toilet in their house. How will they accept your lies? 8 crore families got a tap water connection after 75 years of independence. How will those mothers and sisters accept your lies? How will they back your mistakes and belief in your abuse? 2 crore families benefitted from the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Their lives are saved. Modi came to help in their hour of need. How will these people tolerate your abuse?”

PM Narendra Modi said, “These abuses will not directly come to Modi. They have to first pass from these crores of Indians whom you forced to live a difficult life for decades. Some people are ready to destroy the country for their own selfish motives toward themselves and their families. They are living with their family. They are living for their family. Modi is a member of the 25 crore families in the country. Blessings of the 140 crore Indians are my ‘Suraksha Kavach’. Weapons of abuse and lies cannot penetrate this guard. It is made of trust.”

About middle-class people, PM Narendra Modi said, “Vote bank politics made a dent to the capacity of our nation. It resulted in the delay in the work. For a long time, there was only total denial towards the middle-class people. Nobody cared to have a look towards the middle-class. Middle-class people used to assume that nobody will care for them and they used to exhaust all their energies in their works. But the NDA government has recognized the honesty of the middle-class and provided a security to them. Today, this middle-class is taking our nation to newer heights.”

PM Narendra Mod added, “Before 2014, 1 GB data coste Rs 250. Today it is Rs 10. One citizen in our country uses 20 GB data per month on an average. This saves almost 5000 rupees per person. There are Jan Aushadhi Stores which have become a center of attraction in the whole country. A thousand or two thousand rupees are spent per month to get medicines of a senior citizen in a family who has disorders like diabetes. Today middle-class families collectively save 20000 crore rupees only because of the Jan Aushadhi Stores.”

He added, “Every middle-class family aspires to have its own house. We have simplified the process for the same by implementing RERA. Every middle-class family aspires to enrol their kids for some professional education course. We have increased the number of medical and engineering colleges. We are also working on basic infrastructure.

Centre asks CAG to audit PM Poshan Shakti Nirman in West Bengal over reports of alleged misuse of funds

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Centre asks CAG to audit PM Poshan Shakti Nirman in West Bengal over reports of alleged misuse of funds

The Ministry of Education on Wednesday asked the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to conduct a special audit of the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM Poshan Scheme) in West Bengal over the last three financial years.

This comes after the ministry received several reports about the alleged misuse of funds in West Bengal under the PM Poshan Scheme. Instances of deviations in the implementation of the Scheme have also been reported in the media. According to an official statement, the audit will encompass compliance, performance and financial audit.

The ministry added that necessary corrective action will be taken based on the CAG audit report.

“The CAG is empowered to conduct this Audit under Regulations on Audit and Accounts (Amendment) 2020 framed in pursuance of Section 23 of the Comptroller and Auditor Generals (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, (Act No 56 of 1971). Necessary corrective action will be taken by the Department based on the Audit Report by the 0/o CAG,” the ministry said in the statement.

The Department of School Education and Literacy administers the PM Poshan scheme through which funds are provided to states, based on proposals received, for one hot cooked meal to eligible children in classes one to eight and Balvatika.

PM Poshan Scheme benefits about 11.80 crore children in the country studying in 11.20 lakh Government and Government aided schools.

Earlier in January, a central team was constituted to visit West Bengal for reviewing the implementation of the PM POSHAN scheme.

“Ministry of Education has constituted a Joint Review Mission to visit the State of West Bengal to review the implementation of the centrally sponsored scheme, Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) in January,” an official statement said.

The team reviewed the fund flow from State to Schools/implementing agencies, the coverage of the Scheme, the availability of Management Structure at the State, District, and Block levels, the delivery mechanism of food grains from State to Schools, the smooth implementation of the Scheme with particular reference to interruptions among other objectives.

It also reviewed the Construction of Kitchen-cum-stores, Procurement/Replacement of Kitchen Devices, the involvement of NGOs/Trust/Centralized kitchens in the Scheme, the payment of the Cost of Food grains to the Food Corporation of India etc.

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

“Hugging with cow will bring emotional richness”: Animal Welfare Board urges citizens to observe ‘Cow Hug Day’ on February 14

OpIndia Staff
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“Hugging with cow will bring emotional richness”: Animal Welfare Board urges citizens to observe ‘Cow Hug Day’ on February 14

As youths are getting ready for valentines day on 14th February, people who love cows are urged to observe the day as ‘Cow Hug Day’. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, in collaboration with the Animal Welfare Board, issued the appeal to the people. The board wants to commemorate Cow Hug Day on 14 February to give people a chance to feel warm sentiments and be joyful, highlighting the value of cows in our society.

Referring to cows as the backbone of Indian culture and the rural economy, a press release issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India stated that cows are known as “Kamdhenu” and “Gaumata” because of its nourishing nature like mother, the giver of all providing riches to humanity.

It stated, “In view of the immense benefit of the cow, hugging with cow will bring emotional richness hence will increase our individual and collective happiness. Therefore, all the cow lovers may also celebrate the February 14 as Cow Hug day keeping in mind the importance of mother cow and make life happy and full of positive energy.

Signed by Dr Sujit Kumar Dutta, secretary of the board, the statement read that Vedic practices are nearly on the edge of extinction due to the growth of the western culture. Hence, it urged people to observe Cow Hug Day in order to protect and promote the nation’s heritage. “The dazzle of western civilization has made our physical culture and heritage almost forgotten,” it stated.

According to reports, Bikram Chandravanshi, the legal counsel for the Animal Welfare Board of India, said that the purpose of celebrating Cow Hug Day is to inspire kindness towards cows and Indian culture. The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of the advantages of cows and to reclaim those who under the influence of western culture, are gradually reneging on their traditional ways.

Talking to The Indian Express, board assistant secretary Prachi Jain said, “We received directions from the Union ministry to issue this appeal. Also, we had received certain representations for it. The time is very limited this time, because of which we are not able to do any event in this regard. But we have issued an appeal to the people and couples can follow it”.

Jain responded, “It will be for all the states,” when asked if it was an appeal for everyone. “Animal welfare is for all the states. Gujarat and various other states will also be observing February 14 as Cow Hug Day,” she stated.

The move is gaining support from many netizens on social media.

Cuddling cows in the West

Cow hugging or as the West calls it, cow cuddling, has become the latest wellness fad to sweep the Western world, which gained enormous popularity in the Netherlands where it is known as “koe knuffelen” (cow embracing in Dutch). The focus of the practise is on the natural healing benefits of human and animal embrace.

Cow cuddlers usually begin by touring the farm before spending two to three hours relaxing against one of the cows. Hugging a cow can be immensely calming due to the animal’s warmer body temperature, slower heartbeat, and enormous size. Giving the cow a backrub, relaxing against them, or even getting licked are all common parts of the therapeutic interaction.

Cow cuddling gained even more popularity in America, particularly during Covid. It has become a very lucrative business with the price ranging from $75 to $200 each hour.

“People are signing up to hug cows at sanctuaries across the country, many desperate for affection as the nation approaches a full year of social distancing during the pandemic,” Washington Post had reported in 2021.

Behinfar, a 43-year-old psychologist who sought out cow comfort with a friend, remarked, “It was really my first real hug of the year.”

Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary, a five-acre site in Arizona that is ranked as one of the top animal sanctuaries in the United States, offers cow hugging tours where visitors have the opportunity to hug and cuddle a cow for “an experience you’ll never forget!”

“People have come from all over the world to hug our cows. The cows bring tears of joy to your eyes and a warmth in your heart that it is an experience like none other. Our animal therapy sessions for one on one visits or a full group builds confidence in many ways,” says Aimee, owner of the sanctuary who is herself a trauma survivor with PTSD, on the website of her farm.

There are now internet platforms, where people can sign up for the true experience and delight of cow cuddling.

Notably, cows have long been regarded with reverence in India and within Sanatan Dharma.
 

UP: Hardoi village head Aseer Ahmed-led mob attacks a Hindu family; victim says the attack’s objective was to effect a demographic change

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Hardoi village head Aseer Ahmed-led mob attacks a Hindu family; victim says the attack’s objective was to effect a demographic change

In the Hardoi area of Uttar Pradesh, a mob of roughly 30 Muslim attackers broke into Mashal Singh’s home on Sunday, February 5. The mob attacked with sticks and rods and hurled stones as well. Five members of Mashal Singh’s family suffered injuries from the attack. A woman was also injured. A case has been registered by the police, and an investigation has been initiated on the basis of Mashal Singh’s complaint. The victim’s family has claimed that the police did not take strict action against the accused.

The incident took place in the Majhila police station limits. In his complaint, victim Mashal Singh stated that he was while he was returning home from the fields on February 5,  Aseer Ahmed, Nabi Ahmed, Pappu Khan, Guddu Khan, Puttan Khan, Chutna Khan, Arshad, and Razi Ahmed attacked him with a stick and rod. As per the complaint, Mashal ran toward his home to escape the assault. Reportedly, the accused Aseer Ahmed is the head of the village (Gram Pradhan).

The complaint states that when the accused saw Mashal Singh rushing towards his home, they all followed suit, along with 25 other unidentified attackers. All of the assailants are said to have stormed into Mashal Singh’s home and started fighting with Mashal’s family members.  The attackers are also alleged to have used licensed firearms and pistols in addition to sticks. Along with Vivek Singh, Man Singh, and Shivam Singh, Laxmi Singh also sustained injuries in this attack. Mashal Singh said that the attackers also heavily damaged three of his motorcycles.

The victim claims that the accused fled their family members following the uproar in the village. On their way out, the attackers allegedly threatened the victim’s family with severe consequences. In this case, the police have filed an FIR against 25 unidentified attackers, including 8 candidates. Under IPC sections 147, 148, 149, 323, 427, 452, and 504, a case has been filed against the accused. The video of the attack went viral on social media. In the viral video, the assailants can be seen hurling stones. 

‘We are the only Kshatriya, Muslims want us to leave the village’

OpIndia spoke to the victim, Mashal Singh. Mashal Singh expressed his discontent with the police operation, claiming that two suspects were caught and then released. Mashal Singh claims that despite having a police guard posted at his home, none of the accused have been apprehended yet. When asked about the motive behind the attack, Mashal Singh, one of the victims, said his village is 20 per cent Hindu and 80 per cent Muslim and the Muslims want them to leave as they are the only Kshatriya family in the village. Mashal Singh also asserted that local Muslims often harassed the members of the OBC and SC communities.

According to the victim, the Muslim population in his village had drastically increased during the previous 30 years. He said that no one knows from where and how people from outside settled here. Mashal says that he has purchased a truck to bear the family’s means of subsistence and that when it is brought to the village, chickens are left in front of it to be crushed. Later, it is allegedly done to extort the increased price of chickens. Mashal Singh was receiving medical attention for his injured family members in Sitapur, a neighbouring district of Hardoi, as he spoke to OpIndia.

‘There is positivity and hope towards India at a global level’: 4 key highlights from PM Modi’s speech in Lok Sabha

OpIndia Staff
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‘There is positivity and hope towards India at a global level’: 4 key highlights from PM Modi’s speech in Lok Sabha

On February 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a reply during the Motion of Thanks on President’s Address in Lok Sabha. While thanking President Draupadi Murmu, PM Modi said her visionary address gave a path to the members of the house and the citizens of India. Calling her “source of inspiration”, PM said President had increased the pride of the Tribal community in India.

“The Tribal community is feeling proud. The self-confidence of the Tribal community has increased. This house and the country are thankful to the President for this,” he added. The PM said the President gave a roadmap for ‘Sankalp Se Sidhi’ and inspired the nation to progress.

Speaking about the reaction President’s address received in the house, PM said that everyone gave a reply as per their interest and aptitude. “When we listen and understand the replies, it gives an idea of their ability, perception, understanding and motive. The country is evaluating everything,” he added.

PM Modi’s dig at Congress leaders and ecosystem for gushing over speeches made on Tuesday

He said after some speeches from the opposition, the whole ecosystem was praised. They were jumping with joy and suggesting that it was a government rebuttal. He pointed out that when at the time of the President’s address, some of the members of the house were absent. He also targeted leaders of the opposition who insulted the President in part. Not to forget, in July last year, a Congress leader was heavily criticized in the house for insulting the President. He submitted a written apology for the same. Without taking any name, PM said that someone had apologized in writing for his insulting words against the President.

He said, “Their actions show what they think about the Tribal community. When they speak such things in front of the TV, the hidden hate for the community comes to the fore. I am happy to see their true side in front of everyone. It’s okay if they had apologized in writing afterwards.”

PM Modi expressed his surprise that no one criticized the President’s address. He said that the silence over the address shows that the opposition accepted it well. He quoted President and said, “The President said, and I quote “India, which was dependent on others for solving its problems, is now helping resolve other nations’ issues. The people of the nation are receiving basic amenities that they lacked for decades. The people of India wanted to get rid of corruption, and they did. The country has come out of policy paralysis, and the world is praising us for progress and futuristic approach.” I thought these aspects of the President’s address would be criticized, but I am happy that no one objected. Everyone accepted it. I am thankful to the 140 crore people of India as everyone’s efforts made it possible that these things got accepted in the house.”

‘The world is seeing its prosperity through India’s growth story’: PM Modi

PM Modi noted that scuffles might happen and challenges may arise, but with the determination of 140 crore Indians, India can overcome all the obstacles. He said the way the country has been handled in the once-in-a-century calamity and war had filled every Indian with confidence. Many countries are facing economic turmoil, inflation, food shortage and unemployment. The condition of neighbouring countries is the same. In such a time when the world is facing turmoil, India has emerged as the 5th largest economy. “The world is looking towards India with positivity and hope,” he said.

He pointed out that some people are not happy to see the country’s progress. “They need to do some self-assessment,” he said. The PM said the top experts worldwide who can assess the country’s economic condition very well are looking at India with hope. They trust India’s capacity to move forward. The world has hope in India because this country has stability, ability and possibility. “This is a decision-making government. It is a majority government that works for the national interest. We are not bringing reforms out of compulsion but out of conviction. We give everything to the country that is required as per the needs.”

He also talked about the largest vaccination program, digital infrastructure and how the country has progressed during Covid time. He added that while other nations are struggling to provide financial help to the country’s people as it is impossible for them to reach out and give cash to everyone, India is sending financial help via digital means. “Thousands of crores of rupees are being sent to the country’s people in seconds,” he said. PM Modi also pointed out how countries struggled to give vaccine certificates while they reached the people of India within seconds on mobile phones.

He added that India is progressing quickly and becoming a prominent player in the global supply chain. He said the country is becoming a manufacturing hub in several sectors. “But some people are unable to accept the progress of the country. They are unable to digest the fact that the people of this country are progressing,” he added. Counting the achievements, he said, over 90,000 start-ups started in the last nine years. India has the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world. Even in such a difficult time, India has given 108 unicorns to the world. India has become the second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones. In terms of energy consumption, India stands in the third position. In domestic flights, India is third worldwide. Furthermore, India is the fourth largest country in terms of renewable energy capacity. From the education sector to the medical sector, India is progressing in every field.

PM Modi reminds Congress of its scam-tainted legacy

The PM spoke about the decade before 2014 and said that scams and terror attacks plagued the country between 2004 and 2014. It was characterized by “adversity in opportunity”. The Indian economy declined during this decade. India’s voice on the global stage weakened.

According to him, India is now a self-confident country fulfilling its dreams and goals, and the entire world is looking forward to India because of its stability and potential. He compared the current situation with the past, pointing out that India had been called the “Lost Decade” during the UPA era, but today it is called the “Indian Decade”.

PM Modi lashes out at the opposition for squandering 9 years by levelling baseless allegations instead of indulging in constructive criticism

Noting that India is the mother of democracy, The Prime Minister highlighted the essential role of constructive criticism in a robust democracy, equating it to a purification ritual. He expressed dissatisfaction with people who indulge in compulsive criticism and fabricate unfounded accusations. Over the last nine years, such critics have been widespread. The Prime Minister avowed that this kind of criticism would not be tolerated by individuals who now enjoy amenities they had not before. Remarking that he was part of a family of 140 crore Indians rather than a dynasty, he thanked them for their assistance and aid, which shielded him.

The Prime Minister spoke of his commitment to aiding those who are disadvantaged and disregarded. He noted that the government’s initiatives had benefited Dalits, adivasis, women, and other vulnerable groups. He underscored the power of women in India and that no expense has been spared in granting them more authority. He explained that when mothers are empowered, it not only empowers individuals but also bolsters our communities and, eventually, our nation. The PM then paid homage to the aspirations of the middle class, lauding their honesty. He contended that Indian citizens could overcome hardships, yet they will never resort to such measures as negativity is unacceptable within Indian society.

NDRF teams start rescue and relief operations in earthquake-hit Turkey, Ambassador Firat Sunel thanks India for the help

OpIndia Staff
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NDRF teams start rescue and relief operations in earthquake-hit Turkey, Ambassador Firat Sunel thanks India for the help

On Wednesday, the Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams reached the Gaziantep region in Turkey and began the relief operations. The city was the epicentre of the earthquake that struck the country earlier this week.

This is a day after the earthquake-stricken country Turkey received medical supplies from India on Tuesday along with rescue and medical workers, including an Army medical team and members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, said on Twitter that the first flight had arrived at Adana, Turkey on Tuesday. 

According to the reports, three Boeing C-17 Globemaster planes of the IAF departed for Turkey yesterday, two carrying members of the NDRF and one carrying an Army medical team. In the late afternoon, a C-17 Globemaster carrying a second Army medical team also took off, and in the evening, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport plane carrying medical supplies took out for Damascus, Syria.

Along with a 99-member medical team, India has also sent X-ray machines, ventilators, an oxygen generation plant, cardiac monitors and associated equipment to establish a 30-bed medical facility on the spot. The Army confirmed the development and said, “The medical team comprises critical care specialist teams, including orthopaedic surgical team, general surgical specialist team, medical specialist teams apart from other medical teams.”

The NDRF meanwhile said that two teams, comprising 101 personnel, along with a four-member canine squad have been sent to help rescue operations. Reports mention that the NDRF has kept two more teams on standby.

“We have sent our two teams along with four dogs, four-wheeled vehicles, chipping hammers, cutting tools, first-aid medicines and communication set-up. Our first team, including five women personnel, left for Turkey at 3 am on Tuesday in an IAF aircraft,” said NDRF Director General Atul Karwal.

“In every team, there are five women rescuers, a doctor and paramedics. We have also sent some vehicles, especially the light vehicles, with both the teams,” NDRF DIG (Operations) Mohsen Shahidi added.

“All the team members have received training to handle such situations. This is not the first time the NDRF is going out of the country. The NDRF has been part of two similar international operations – the 2011 Japan triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown) and the 2015 Nepal earthquake,” Shahidi said.

Officials claim that Indian servicemen were greeted by representatives of the Turkish government and the Indian Embassy when they arrived at the Adana airport in Turkey in order to continue their deployment to the devastated areas.

Meanwhile, Turkish Ambassador to India, Firat Sunel thanked India for extending help and said, “Dost’ is a common word in Turkish and Hindi. We have a Turkish proverb- ‘Dost kara günde belli olur’ (a friend in need is a friend indeed). Thank you very much India.”

Chinese spy balloons have targeted India and other countries as well: WaPo report

OpIndia Staff
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Chinese spy balloons have targeted India and other countries as well: WaPo report

Days after a Chinese balloon caused much political uproar in the USA, a report by The Washington Post has claimed that China has been using its surveillance balloons in many countries other than the United States.

Washington Post has claimed that the People’s Liberation Army or the Chinese PLA has been operating a vast surveillance program in countries like India, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

Even though no specific information has been provided, the report says that the surveillance balloon program operating partly out of Hainan province off China’s south coast, has been collecting information about military assets in countries and areas that are strategically important for China.

WaPo quoted unnamed US officials as saying that the Chinese had “taken an unbelievably old technology and basically married it with modern communications and observation capabilities. It’s a massive effort.”

Wendy Sherman, the Deputy Secretary of State, on Monday reportedly briefed representatives from 40 embassies over the Chinese espionage issue. The US Department of State has also sent detailed information regarding the alleged espionage to every U.S. Embassy. The information can be shared with allies and partners, the WaPo report claims.

In addition to the balloon monitored last week, at least four other balloons have reportedly been seen over Hawaii, Florida, Texas, and Guam.

This comes after the US Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet on Saturday, February 4, shot down the suspected Chinese surveillance balloon.

Reportedly, the fighter jet fired an AIM-9X missile at the balloon, which was flying at 65000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of South Carolina. The Pentagon informed that the US Navy ships are now recovering the surveillance equipment from the debris, which is reportedly spread over 7 miles.

Earlier on February 2, the Pentagon announced that it was tracking a Chinese spy balloon that was floating high over the United States. The incident accelerated tensions between the two sides. The next day, Another spy balloon was spotted flying in the skies of Latin America. 

Following the development, US Secretary of Defence, Antony Blinken postponed his visit to Beijing.

The presence of this surveillance balloon in US airspace is a blatant violation of US sovereignty and international law, Blinken said in South Korea on Friday after speaking with Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat.

However, according to Blinken, he informed Wang that “the United States is committed to diplomatic engagement with China and that I plan to visit Beijing when circumstances allow.”

“Getting the surveillance asset out of our airspace is the first step. That’s what we’re focused on,” Blinken told the media.

China says, ‘Not a surveillance but civilian device’

China’s foreign ministry said in a statement late on Friday that it would keep in touch with the US to manage the unexpected scenario appropriately.

“The Chinese airship is a civilian device used for meteorological and other scientific research. The airship deviated off track due to the influence of westerly winds and its limited control capacity,” it read.

“China regrets that the airship strayed into the United States by mistake due to force majeure. To properly handle this accident, China will maintain communication with the US  side,” the statement added.

Chinese spy balloon in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

On January 6, 2022, public sightings of an unidentified high-altitude balloon over Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands were reported. A mysterious and suspicious balloon was noticed when the Indian tri-services were undertaking military exercises on the eastern island.

Andaman Sheekha, a local media outlet, had reported that a similar balloon was spotted hovering high over Port Blair. The report also raised the question of who sent the balloon over the Indian island skies and the country or agency behind using the balloon for espionage.

“Now the question is which agency has placed the object in the sky and why? If this object is not released by any agencies in Andaman then was it sent for spying? But in this age of ultra-advanced satellites, who will use a flying object to spy?” the report stated.

Japan to investigate past sightings of Chinese spy balloons

On Tuesday, Defence Minister of Japan, Yasukazu Hamada said that under existing laws, Japan has the legal right to destroy any balloon that intrudes its domestic airspace. 

At a press briefing on Monday, Yoshihio Isozaki, the deputy chief cabinet secretary, said Tokyo has launched an investigation into previous balloon sightings over Japan. In June 2020, similar aircraft was detected in a number of northern locales, including the city of Sendai. In September 2021, similar sightings were reported over the Aomori Prefecture.

Centre wrote to states six times in ten years to increase women’s share in police forces to 33%, says union home ministry in Rajya Sabha

OpIndia Staff
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Centre wrote to states six times in ten years to increase women’s share in police forces to 33%, says union home ministry in Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday that while the Centre has repeatedly advised states to boost the participation of women in the police force to 33 percent, their actual strength as of January 1, 2022, remained 11.75%. In a reply furnished at the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the union home ministry informed the house that the centre has written to the governments of states and union territories six times in the last ten years, asking them to increase the share of women in police to 33%.

According to Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, the Ministry of Home Affairs has advised all individual states to boost the representation of women police to 33% of the total force in advisories dated April 22, 2013, May 21, 2014, May 12, 2015, June 21, 2019, June 22, 2021, and April 13, 2022.

“According to data compiled by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), as on January 1, 2022, the actual strength of women police personnel is 11.75 per cent at all India level,” he said in a written reply to a question by BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agarwal. The Rajya Sabha MP wanted to know whether 33% of posts in police forces have been reserved for women, the relevant govt order in this regard, and the percentage of women working in police forces in different states and UTs in India.

The reply by the home ministry stated that as per data compiled by the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), as on 01.01.2022, the actual strength of women police personnel is 11.75% at all India level. It further stated that as ‘Police’ is a State subject, it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/UTs to increase the number of women personnel in police forces.

According to the minister, it has been urged of all state governments to convert any open positions for sub-inspectors and constables into new positions for women. In order to have a women’s assistance desk open round-the-clock, each police station needs to have at least three female sub-inspectors and ten female police constables, he stated.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued advisories dated 22.04.2013, 21.05.2014, 12.05.2015, 21.06.2019, 22.06.2021 and 13.04.2022 to all the State Governments to increase the representation of women police to 33% of the total strength. All the State Governments have been requested to create additional posts of women Constables/Sub-Inspectors by converting the vacant posts of Constables/Sub-Inspectors. The aim is that each police station should have at least 3 women Sub-Inspectors and 10 women police Constables, so that a women help desk is manned round the clock,” the reply in Rajya Sabha said.

According to the home ministry reply, Ladakh (28.3 %) has the greatest proportion of female police officers, followed by Andhra Pradesh (21.7 %), Chandigarh (21.6 %), and Bihar (21.2 %). The states having the lowest %age of female police officers include Jammu & Kashmir (3.2 %), Tripura (5.29 %), and Meghalaya (5.9 %). The share of women in police forces at the national level is 11.75%.

‘Ye keh ke hum dil ko behala rahe hai, wo ab chal chuke hai’: PM Modi takes a dig at Congress ecosystem for fawning over Rahul Gandhi

ANI
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‘Ye keh ke hum dil ko behala rahe hai, wo ab chal chuke hai’: PM Modi takes a dig at Congress ecosystem for fawning over Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a veiled dig at Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi in his reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s address in Lok Sabha and said some speeches made on Tuesday were lauded by their ecosystem and “maybe they slept well and couldn’t wake up (on time)”.

Rahul Gandhi, who participated in the debate on Tuesday and largely targeted the government on the Adani issue in his speech, was not present in the House when Prime Minister made his initial remarks. He later reached Lok Sabha.

“I was watching yesterday. After the speeches of a few people, some people were happily saying, “Ye hui na baat.” Maybe they slept well & couldn’t wake up (on time). For them it has been said, “Ye keh keh ke hum dil ko behla rahe hain,wo ab chal chuke hain, wo ab aa rahe hain”,” PM Modi said.

“When President’s Address was going on, some people avoided it. A tall leader even insulted the President. They displayed hatred against ST. When such things were said on TV, a sense of hatred deep within came out. An attempt was made to save oneself after writing a letter later” he added.

PM Modi said India became the fifth-largest economy amid difficult times.

“Several countries are suffering from instability due to war. Several others are facing inflation, unemployment, and lack of food security including our neighbours. Amid difficult times, India became the fifth-largest economy,” he said.

Prime Minister said that President Droupadi Murmu’s presence as Head of the Republic is historic as well as inspiring for the daughters and sisters of the country.

“I extend my thanks to the President’s Address. I got the opportunity earlier also. But this time, along with thanks, I also want to greet her. In her visionary address, the President guided us and crores of Indians. Her presence as the Head of the Republic is historic as well as inspiring for the daughters and sisters of the country,” PM Modi said.

“The President has enhanced the pride of the tribal community. Today, after several years of independence, there is a sense of pride in the tribal community and an increase in their self-confidence. This nation and House are grateful to her for this,” he added.

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

Rahul Gandhi skipped northeast in Bharat Jodo Yatra just like his forefathers ignored the region: BJP MP Dilip Saikia in Lok Sabha

OpIndia Staff
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Rahul Gandhi skipped northeast in Bharat Jodo Yatra just like his forefathers ignored the region: BJP MP Dilip Saikia in Lok Sabha

On 8th February 2023, BJP MP Dilip Saikia lambasted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in parliament for ignoring northeast India. The MP from Mangaldai in Assam said that Rahul Gandhi has no idea about the northeast, he never visited the northeast, and he left it out of his Bharat Jodo Yatra because his forefathers too left the region like this.

Dilip Saikia is a Bharatiya Janata Party MP in Lok Sabha representing the Mangaldoi constituency in Assam. He was speaking in the house during the motion of thanks to the President’s address in the parliament. Dilip Saikia said, “In the last 9 years, our country has marched ahead under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi to ensure the welfare of poor, farmers, SC, ST, OBC, women, and youths. If the same speed of development would be there fifty-sixty years ago, lakhs of square kilometres of our land would not be encroached upon by China and Pakistan.”

Dilip Saikia added, “Adhir Ranjan Choudhary quoted many sentences by Jawaharlal Nehru during his address here in the house. I want to remind him of another statement that was given by Jawaharlal Nehru in this parliament after China encroached upon lakhs of square kilometres of our land. He said, ‘my heart goes to the people of northeast India.’ Had someone like Narendra Modi been our Prime Minister at that time, China could not have encroached upon even a single square inch of our land. It is our ill fate that Congress ruled for sixty years in this country and divided us on the basis of caste, religion, and language.”

Dilip Saikia further said, “I belong to northeast India. I come from Assam. Rahul Gandhi has no idea about the northeast. He never talks about the northeast. He never visits there. Even his tweets start from Bengal and beyond it. Because he is more in tweets and social media and he did not go to the northeast in his Bharat Jodo Yatra. He did not cover the northeast in his Yatra. He simply left it. This is because his forefathers had also left us like this. This is in his blood.”

Dilip Saikia added, “In the last 9 years, the northeast has witnessed exceptionally stable peace, development, and prosperity only because of our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is the messiah for the poor. He is a global leader. We have done 7 agreements to contain separatism including the Bodo peace accord. 80 to 90 percent of insurgency and violence are reduced. I thank the Prime Minister from the bottom of my heart as a citizen of the northeast. He is the best mentor and parent the northeast has ever got in independent India. I pray to Maa Kamakhya for his success. All the people of the country are with him and it is only because of his leadership that no one can stop India from becoming Vishwa Guru by 2047.”

Dilip Saikia was the last MP speak on the motion of thanks the president’s speech, supporting the motion, before PM Narendra Modi geve his speech on the motion.

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