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Adani Enterprises to exit food venture Adani Wilmar, raise $2 billion for investment in core infrastructure

OpIndia Staff
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Adani Enterprises to exit food venture Adani Wilmar, raise $2 billion for investment in core infrastructure

Adani Enterprises (AEL) has fully exited its joint venture with Adani Wilmar by selling its 13% stake to comply with minimum public shareholding requirements, according to a media statement released by the business group. The divestment will generate over $2 billion, which AEL plans to reinvest into its core infrastructure platforms.

Adani Enterprises, Adani Commodities LLP (ACL), and Wilmar International’s subsidiary Lence reached an agreement where Lence will acquire the 31.06% stake in Adani Wilmar previously held by ACL, the statement noted.

Adani Enterprises is selling about 13% of its stake in Adani Wilmar to meet regulatory requirements. Following these transactions, AEL will fully exit its approximate 44% stake in Adani Wilmar, with Wilmar International taking up to 31%. Adani’s nominee directors will step down from Adani Wilmar’s board, and shareholders will consider renaming the company.

Funds raised from divestment will be used by Adani Enterprise to augment investments in core infrastructure sectors like energy, utilities, transport, logistics, and other related industries. AEL stated that it would continue investing in infrastructure to strengthen its position as India’s largest publicly listed platform incubator, focusing on key areas supporting India’s economic growth.

AEL and Wilmar, as the founding shareholders of Adani Wilmar, have collaboratively established India’s largest Food FMCG company, earning the trust of millions of Indian households. Adani Wilmar is strategically positioned to leverage its extensive scale of operations, robust distribution network, and vast retail presence across India. The company boasts 100% urban market coverage, a presence in over 30,600 rural towns, and exports to more than 30 countries worldwide.

Caste census may have taken over the political discourse, but here is why we need an announcement of Skill Census in Union Budget 2025

Ritwik
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Caste census may have taken over the political discourse, but here is why we need an announcement of Skill Census in Union Budget 2025

India’s demographic transition will see it emerge as the most populous nation in the working age group by 2030. However, while the overall unemployment rate is only 4.1% that year (PLFS 2022-23), youth unemployment remains a serious issue at above 12%. The situation is further enervated by the low share of 4.7% of the total workforce having been trained (NSDC 2023). A National Skill Census in the Union Budget 2025 might help realize this gap and thereby stimulate India’s growth in terms of skills.

While caste-based census issues have taken most of the political discourse, Karnataka 2023, along with Haryana and Maharashtra 2024, have found their voters focusing more on jobs, development, and safety. The MSME is rising to the challenges with schemes like “Approaches for MSME Development 2024” and a new Executive Development Programme aimed at reducing the skill gap and enhancing productivity. The India Skills Report 2024 emphasizes how the skill will determine global competitiveness and inclusive growth, especially with AI steering the future of work in the MSME sector. 

Skill Mapping Initiative By Yogi Adityanath Government

As of 2020, the Uttar Pradesh government has mapped skills within the migrant worker population of about 2.35 million, identifying a skills matrix to facilitate fit job placements for those returning home. The survey incorporated the mapping of 94 categories of laborers, to match workers with MSME organizations. The survey was done through telephonic surveys. In such amicable terms with the major industry bodies like the Indian Industry Association and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), jobs were promised for about 11.5 lakh workers, with 2.5 lakh by the real estate sector and 7 lakh positions provided by other sectors. 

India-UK Collaboration: 

In May 2021, the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) was signed by India and the UK to facilitate the legal movement of students and professionals. By 2024, cooperation was focused on scaffolding skills and mutual recognition. An important initiative was connecting India’s National Career Service portal with the job platform of the UK. 

India-UAE Collaboration: 

India and the UAE launched a pilot project to align India’s skill development programs with UAE job requirements. The NSDC partnered with the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to standardize qualifications and certifications for a more seamless process of workforce integration. 

The Pilot Project of Andhra Pradesh

In October 2024, the Andhra Pradesh government initiated India’s first-ever Skill Census, which began in the Mangalagiri constituency and Thullur mandal. The initiative was aimed at analysing skill sets across 163,421 families to promote employment opportunities and bridge gaps between industry and workforce skills. The data gathering efforts were led by some 675 enumerators with an app called ‘Naipunyam,’ targeting individuals aged 18-40.

What hampered the pilot run of the Naipunyam app was, among other things, data collection. To gather the information, the enumerators were supposed to make candidates login with authentication through OTP, but many candidates refused to cooperate and provide their OTPs to the enumerators, thereby slowing down the process. 

Main Loopholes Identified:

  1. Lack of Real-Time Data: Existing skill mapping systems often rely on outdated or static data, limiting their ability to adapt to rapidly changing market demands.
  2. Insufficient Industry Collaboration: Limited involvement of industries in designing skill training programs results in a mismatch between training outcomes and market requirements.
  3. Regional Imbalances: States like Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have made progress, but many regions lack adequate infrastructure for skilling programs, creating disparities.
  4. Inadequate Tracking Mechanisms: Most initiatives fail to monitor the long-term impact of skilling efforts on employability and career progression.
  5. Underrepresentation of Marginalized Groups: Women, persons with disabilities, and other disadvantaged groups often face barriers to accessing skill development programs.

Stakeholders: A Collaborative Approach

The scale and complexity of a National Skill Census demand a concerted effort involving key stakeholders. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), NITI Aayog, and state skill development missions must spearhead this initiative, supported by industry associations such as CII and FICCI. Educational institutions, vocational training centres, and international organizations like UNESCO and the World Bank can provide technical expertise and funding. 

The Roadmap to Implementation

To ensure its success, the Skill Census must be strategically planned and executed over three years at an estimated cost of ₹3,000-5,000 crore.

  1. Institutional Framework: Establish a Skill India Commission under the MSDE to oversee the census, which should be conducted biennially. A robust survey structure incorporating demographic data, skill categories, and employment trends is crucial.
  2. Technological Backbone: Develop a digital platform akin to Singapore’s SkillsFuture portal, incorporating AI for real-time analytics, multilingual support, and offline accessibility to cater to rural populations. Enumerators must be trained to ensure data accuracy and security compliance.
  3. Phased Rollout: Begin with pilot testing in states like Maharashtra, Bihar, and Kerala to address operational challenges. A phased rollout across states and Union Territories will ensure manageability and adaptability.
  4. Industry Alignment: Collaborate with industries to design skilling programs that address market demands, taking cues from Australia’s Job Outlook tool to match skills with labor market trends.
  5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish an independent monitoring body for real-time progress tracking and impact assessments, ensuring transparency and adaptability in the process.

India’s demographic dividend is not a perpetual boon—it is a fleeting opportunity. Without urgent and decisive action, the country risks squandering its potential, perpetuating cycles of unemployment and underemployment. A National Skill Census is not just a policy option; it is an economic and moral imperative.

The time to act is now. Policymakers, industries, and civil society must rally together to ensure that India’s youth are not merely participants in the workforce but architects of a prosperous future.

Border Gavaskar Trophy: Indian Captain Rohit Sharma rues missed opportunities after losing Melbourne Test

ANI
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Border Gavaskar Trophy: Indian Captain Rohit Sharma rues missed opportunities after losing Melbourne Test

Captain Rohit Sharma rued the missed opportunities after India endured a heavy 184-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne against Australia on Monday.

Australia knocked India flat in all facets of the game, even though the game was defined by the finest of margins. After being knocked around the MCG in the first innings, India replied boldly in the second innings.

With a pace attack spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, India had Australia on the ropes after reducing the hosts to 91/6. However, a couple of dropped catches and missed chances gave Australia a window of opportunity to make a strong comeback.

The hopes of restricting Australia on a 250-run lead slowly subdued, especially after Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland muscled away a tired Indian bowling unit on Day 4. The 61-run partnership rubbed salt in India’s wounds as Australia set a 340-run target for India to chase down.

The target played on India’s minds and nerves, especially after the top order misfired. The first session left its mark and eventually left India with a pretty “disappointing” result, allowing Australia to move to a 2-1 lead in the series.

“It is pretty disappointing. It’s not that we went in with the intent of giving up the fight. We wanted to fight till the end, and unfortunately, we couldn’t do it. It’ll be tough to assess just the last two sessions. If you look at the overall Test match, we had our chances, but we didn’t take them. We had Australia 90 for 6,” Rohit said in the post-match presentation.

Despite India falling short when things mattered most, Rohit was aware that India wasn’t good enough despite throwing everything that they had. For the Indian skipper, the partnership between Lyon and Boland cost the visitors the game.

“We know things can get tough, but we want to play tough cricket in hard situations. I don’t want to look at one situation. We were not good enough. I went back to my room and thought about what else we could have done as a team. We threw everything we had, but they fought hard, especially that last-wicket partnership, which probably cost us the game there,” Rohit said.

For Australia Steven Smith (140) fired a century for Australia and Marnus Labuschagne (70) rode on his luck in the second innings. On the other hand, India lacked moments of individual brilliance on certain occasions which played its part in India’s downfall.

“We knew 340 wasn’t going to be easy. We tried to set a platform and keep wickets in hand for the last two sessions, but they bowled perfectly as well. We wanted to go for the target, but we didn’t set the platform from our side. There are ways to win games, and we fell short in finding ways to win games,” he added.

India just have a couple of days to evaluate and regroup before being a part of the final chapter of the five-match series, beginning on Friday. 

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

OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji’s death: ‘He was happy, not depressed’, Parents challenge suicide claims, demand FBI probe

Anurag
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OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji’s death: ‘He was happy, not depressed’, Parents challenge suicide claims, demand FBI probe

On 27th December, family and friends of the deceased AI expert of Indian origin, Suchir Balaji, gathered for a vigil in Milpitas to honour his bravery and raise awareness about accountability in the field of Artificial Intelligence. In a statement during the vigil, his parents stated that they would continue to fight for justice and insisted that the death of their son deserved further investigation.

The 26-year-old former OpenAI employee and whistleblower, Suchir Balaji, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on 26th November 2024. Initially, investigation agencies did not reveal the identity of the deceased person. However, on 13th December, they announced that the dead body found at the apartment located on Buchanan Street in San Francisco was that of Suchir.

San Francisco police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Suchir committed suicide. However, his parents have raised concerns and claimed foul play in the matter. They have said that the information provided by the private investigator and the report of the independent autopsy contradict the police’s findings.

Parents question official narrative

An emotional video of Suchir’s parents has surfaced on social media where his father, Balaji Ramamurthy, described being the last person to speak with his son. He said, “He was happy, not depressed or anything. And it was his birthday week,” while disputing the suicide claim. His mother, Poornima Ramarao, said in a statement that the police reached conclusions too quickly. She said, “We’ve seen blood stains in the bathroom, signs of a fight. How can there be no suicide note or further investigation?”

Furthermore, Suchir had plans to visit his parents in January, as revealed by his parents. They expressed disbelief that their son could take his own life. They have called for an FBI investigation into the death of Suchir Balaji to uncover the truth.

Speaking to Mercury News, the media outlet that first broke the news of Suchir’s death, Ramarao said she was not aware that her son was planning to go public with his concerns about OpenAI. Notably, a day before Suchir’s body was recovered, his mother had visited the apartment after being unable to contact him, but no one answered the door. She called the authorities, but the police said little could be done that day. She followed up the next day with the police, and on the same day, his body was recovered from inside the apartment.

His actions caused anxiety for his parents, but his mother said she was proud of her son’s bravery. She said, “He kept assuring me, ‘Mom, I’m not doing anything wrong — go see the article. I’m just saying, my opinion, there’s nothing wrong in it. I supported him. I didn’t criticise him. I told him, ‘I’m proud of you because you have your own opinions and you know what’s right, what’s wrong.’ He was very ethical.”

Furthermore, Balaji was working on creating a non-profit centred on the fields of machine learning and neuroscience. He was already in talks with at least one venture capitalist for seed funding. She added that when she asked how Suchir was managing finances, he told her money was not important to him and asserted, “I want to offer a service to humanity.”

The last phone call between Suchir and his parents happened on 22nd November, just four days before he died. During the 10-minute call, he told them about his recent trip. She added, “He was very happy. He had a blast. He had one of the best times of his life.”

Whistleblower controversy adds complexity

Notably, Suchir was found dead just three months after he publicly accused OpenAI, his former employer, of copyright violations during the development of ChatGPT. The revelation made by Suchir was expected to play a vital role in lawsuits against the AI tech company. OpenAI has maintained its work adhered to fair use laws; however, Suchir’s revelations added a layer of complexity to the case.

Claims on social media and Musk’s response

A social media account under the name “Poornima” has claimed to be Suchir’s mother. The account has shared details on the matter alleging foul play. The post stated that Suchir’s apartment was ransacked, and there were signs of a struggle in the bathroom. The account holder labelled the death as “cold-blooded murder.”

Source: X

While it is yet to be confirmed if the account actually belongs to his mother, a reply from billionaire Elon Musk has drawn attention to it. Responding to the post, Musk wrote, “This doesn’t seem like a suicide.”

Suchir Balaji’s views on AI

During an interview with The New York Times, Suchir revealed that he initially believed AI could benefit society, including its ability to cure diseases and stop ageing. He said, “I thought we could invent some kind of scientist that could help solve them.”

However, his views about AI began to change in 2022, two years after joining OpenAI as a researcher. He expressed concerns about his assignment to gather data from the internet for ChatGPT’s fourth version, which analysed text from nearly the entire internet to train the program.

In late October, in a post on Suchir’s personal website, he wrote that no known factors seemed to weigh in favour of the AI software being a fair use of its training data. He wrote, “That being said, none of the arguments here are fundamentally specific to ChatGPT either, and similar arguments could be made for many generative AI products in a wide variety of domains.”

Thousands of BPSC aspirants in Bihar on the streets: Why are the students protesting and how Prashant Kishore provoked them to create a ruckus

Siddhi Somani
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Thousands of BPSC aspirants in Bihar on the streets: Why are the students protesting and how Prashant Kishore provoked them to create a ruckus

Bihar is yet again in the news, not for its politicians but for protests that have swept the state. In a recent incident, several students from the district who appeared for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) preliminary exams have been protesting in the capital city demanding re-examination. These students who have been protesting since December 18th alleged state mismanagement at several examination centers. They claimed that the CCTV cameras were not functioning at a few centres and that question papers were distributed late at some centres.

On Sunday, 29th December, around 1000s students gathered at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Bihar, and yelled slogans against the state demanding the cancellation of the 70th BPSC pre-examination. The protesters broke the barricades and affirmed over meeting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Amid this, a minor scuffle broke out between the protesters and the police following which the latter used water canons to disperse the crowd. The police were also forced to resort to lathi-charge as the protestors attempted to march towards Dak Bungalow via Fraser Road.

“We requested the students protesting to vacate the place but they didn’t listen to us…We also said that they can put forward their demands, and we are ready to listen to them…They also pushed us after which we used water cannons on them,” said SP City Sweety Sahrawat post-lathi charge.

As per the reports, the BPSC preliminary examination was conducted on 13th December across 912 centres in Bihar during which the students claimed that CCTV cameras and jammers at a few of them were not functioning properly. They also stated that at other centres question papers were distributed late affecting the schedule of the examination. However, the state has agreed so far to only re-schedule the examination at one centre in Patna where the examination supervisor was reported dead due to a heart attack amid the ruckus.

Around 3.8 lakh students appeared for the exam this time of which around 1000 protested firmly raising their voices against the alleged mismanagement. The students who now have garnered support from activists, political parties, and educationalists are further questioning the state over their alleged biased decision to re-schedule the exam at just one centre.

Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, questioned the state while extending support and assistance to the protesting students. He said that the demand of the students to re-schedule the exam at all 912 centres across the state was valid and justified.

“How can BPSC reschedule the examination for just one centre? There should be a level playing amid complaints of delayed distribution of question papers, non-functional CCTV cameras, and jammers at several other centres. Students are justified in seeking fresh prelims for all 912 examination centres,” he was quoted as saying. He addressed the students on Saturday, 28th September, and asked them to gather at Gandhi Maidan for a congregation.

“I must say that irregularities and paper leaks have now become the norm as far as BPSC exams are concerned. It can’t go on like this… We have to find a solution,” he said asking the students to gather at Gandhi Maidan. Following this, Patna District Magistrate (DM) Chandrasekhar Singh warned that the state would take strict action against the protesters for gathering in a restricted area.

“Strict action will be taken against coaching institute owners who were found to be involved, in any manner, in the protests. Adequate security personnel have been deployed in and around Gandhi Maidan. Strict action will be taken against those who try to take the law into their own hands,” he said.

Videos show several students taking part in the protest and creating chaos, forcing the police to resort to lathi-charge and water canons to disperse the crowd. The authorities blocked the crowd and asked 5 of them to meet Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena to discuss the matter.

After this, Kishore left the protest site leaving the students divided by thoughts, half of whom favoured the offer. He indicated that the state was trying to suppress the rights of the students to protest. The BPSC protests have also garnered support from Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, Patna educators Khan Sir and Guru Rahman, and Independent Purnia MP Pappu Yadav. The BPSC official has taken cognizance of the event and clarified that there was evidence of late paper distribution at one of the exam centres in Patna where a re-examination has been ordered. “We cannot go by students’ allegations and cancel the examination held at all centres,” he said.

Following this, Kishore re-appeared on the site and asked the students to temporarily stop the protests. He said that 5 aspirants would meet the state board and address the issue. In the meantime, the BPSC has decided that the exam will be re-scheduled for around 12000 students on 4th January 2025.

The police have also booked Kishore and around 700 students for creating a ruckus in a restricted area. The police stated that Kishore initiated the protest and instigated the students to clash with the police before allegedly running away from the site.

The students have been charged with gathering people without authorization, inciting unrest, and causing disruptions to law and order. “Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party organized a protest march without official permission and led protestors near Gandhi Maidan, where violence broke out. Protesters reportedly damaged police equipment and engaged in clashes with officials”, the police official said.

Earlier, rumours were spread that the Patna police had detained Khan Sir, and Motiur Rahman alias Guru Rahman for extending support to the ongoing student protests. As per the viral rumours, the educators were detained after they joined the protests. However, the police later clarified that all such reports were misleading. The Police then also took action against those who spread the mischievous rumour, including an X (formerly Twitter) account called ‘Khan Global Studies’, and an FIR has been registered for the same.

After the protests, several students claimed that they were injured due to police action. They claimed that they were peacefully protesting for their rights and didn’t expect such action for raising their voices.

“We never expected the administration to do something like this…” said an aspirant as police used water cannons to disperse students marching illegally towards the CM’s residence.

The families of the students also slammed the police for alleged brutal action saying that they were suppressing the rights of the students to protest. The parents also raised their voices against corruption in the department and demanded justice for their children.

At present, a massive police force has been deployed at the Patna’s Gandhi Maidan and several other locations to maintain peace in the city amid the tensions. The police have stated that they were forced to resort to lathi-charge and the action was initiated only after asking the students to vacate the restricted area. “They were asked to vacate the area, but they didn’t. Following this, the authorities resorted to the use of lathi-charge and water canons,” Sahrawat said.

Over 150 illegal Bangladeshi settlers attack municipal staff in Lucknow: Mayor demands action, 50 illegal shanties demolished

OpIndia Staff
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Over 150 illegal Bangladeshi settlers attack municipal staff in Lucknow: Mayor demands action, 50 illegal shanties demolished

On 29th December, a mob of 150-200 illegal Bangladeshi settlers attacked municipal workers during an anti-encroachment drive in the Indira Nagar area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The team, led by municipal supervisor Minakshi, was assaulted by the mob, who were armed with sticks. They chased the officials away, leaving several of them injured.

Reportedly, belongings of the staff, including a gold chain and mobile phones, were also snatched by the mobsters. The incident escalated tensions in the area, leading to a demolition drive where the authorities removed at least 50 illegal shanties (jhuggis) belonging to the illegal Bangladeshi settlers. A case against the mobsters has also been registered at Indira Nagar Police Station.

Municipal workers attacked during encroachment removal drive

The incident began at around 7 AM when a team of municipal workers reached Zone 7 near the ‘Ghode Wale Mandir’ to remove illegal handcarts. There were complaints that illegal Bangladeshis living in the area were engaged in unauthorised collection of waste, leading to unsanitary conditions. During the anti-encroachment drive, several individuals resisted the action. Reports suggest that one of the women at the site called others for reinforcement. Within minutes, a mob of 150-200 illegal Bangladeshi settlers arrived, armed with sticks, and attacked the municipal team.

The mobsters assaulted supervisor Minakshi, tore her clothes, and snatched a gold chain from her neck. They also snatched the mobile phones of municipal staff workers Shiv Balak and Deep Bhushan. The mobsters vandalised vehicles, and the driver of inspector Vijeta Dwivedi was dragged and attacked. The municipal workers narrowly escaped the scene and informed senior officials about the incident.

Mayor demands immediate action, electricity connections cut

Mayor Sushma Kharkwal immediately swung into action and visited the site alongside Joint Commissioner of Police Amit Verma and BJP MLA O.P. Srivastava. When Kharkwal noticed that the shanties had electricity connections, officials from the electricity department were called. She criticised the local electricity officials for enabling illegal power connections in the area. The electricity connections were disconnected immediately.

Kharkwal said, “These Bangladeshi squatters have attacked municipal staff and engaged in criminal activities. How are they getting electricity connections? This negligence must be addressed immediately.” Furthermore, she stated that if no action was taken against the illegal immigrants, she would sit in protest even if her own government was in power in the state. She also directed the officials to demolish the illegal structures raised by the Bangladeshis in the area.

Speaking to media, JCP Law and Order of Lucknow, Amit Verma said, “The Municipal Corporation team was carrying out a campaign during which some people attacked their team. An FIR has been registered by the Municipal Corporation. The police will take action in this matter as soon as possible and strict action will be taken against those who are guilty in this…”

Demolition drive conducted under police protection

By early afternoon, the municipal team reached the Indira Nagar area with heavy police force and demolished around 50 illegal shanties. The residents were seen moving their belongings and relocating to other areas. As the police force was present, the demolition proceeded without any resistance.

By early afternoon, the municipal team, under heavy police protection, demolished approximately 50 illegal shanties in the Indira Nagar area. Residents were seen moving their belongings onto vehicles and relocating to other areas. Many of the residents, reportedly Bangladeshi migrants, were engaged in informal waste collection and household cleaning jobs.

Formal complaints and political reactions

Following the attack on municipal staff members and workers, a formal complaint was lodged at the Indira Nagar Police Station by municipal officer Kuldeepak Singh. An FIR has been registered under Sections 191(2), 191(3), 121(1), 132, 115(2), 309(6), 324(4), 351(2), 131, 74, and 109 of Bharatiya Nayay Sanhita (BNS) and Section 7 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1932. OpIndia accessed copy of the FIR.

In his complaint, Kuldeepak provided details about how the municipal team was attacked during the anti-encroachment drive and named Nadim as the leader of the group that incited violence. He informed the police that the municipal team, led by supervisor Minakshi, was conducting an operation to remove illegal handcarts and tackle unauthorised waste collection near the temple. During the operation, a local woman used her mobile phone to call for reinforcement. A mob of around 150-200 individuals, led by Nadim and Sheru, reached the spot on her call.

The mob, armed with sticks, attacked the municipal team, chasing and assaulting them. Supervisor Minakshi was specifically targeted, and her clothes were torn. The mobsters snatched a gold chain from her neck. Two of the staff members had their mobile phones stolen. Furthermore, Kuldeepak told the police that vehicles of municipal staff members were vandalised, and the driver of Vijeta Dwivedi’s vehicle was dragged and severely assaulted with an apparent attempt to cause fatal harm.

Kuldeepak mentioned that the team narrowly escaped the attack, after which they alerted senior officials about the incident. The violent mob disrupted the anti-encroachment drive, creating a chaotic and terrorised atmosphere at the site. He added that unauthorised waste collection and illegal electricity connections facilitated by local authorities were prevalent in the area.

The Uttar Pradesh Local Bodies Employees Association strongly condemned the attack, with president Shashi Kumar Mishra demanding strict action against the culprits to prevent similar incidents.

Water burst in the desert: Tubewell digging causes underground reservoir to erupt in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer

OpIndia Staff
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Water burst in the desert: Tubewell digging causes underground reservoir to erupt in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer

On Saturday (28th December), a dramatic geological incident unfolded near the Mohangarh canal area in Jaisalmer wherein sudden burst of underground water and gas resulted during a tubewell digging operation. This eruption, likely caused by a breach of an underground reservoir created a 10-feet-high jet of water.

According to reports, at 850 feet deep, a fountain of water and gas suddenly burst from the ground, causing the ground to fall in, sinking the drilling machine and truck into the ground shortly turning the field into a pond. Even after 24 hours, the flow of water has not stopped, leaving a deep trench in the area and creating a pond like structure.

Some social media users have shared a video of the incident with claims that it may be a resurfacing of the Saraswati River after some media reports including ETV Bharat reported that Dr Narayan Das Inkhiya, a groundwater scientist who visited the site, said that “this incident can be a sign of the ancient flow of the Saraswati river.”

However, according to a TOI report, Inkhiya explained the unusual geological phenomenon as being caused by artesian conditions and did not hint at the incident being a sign of the Saraswati River’s resurfacing.

Notably, artesian conditions arise when groundwater flows from a recharge location to a lower elevation point of discharge within a confining formation.

The Deputy Tehsildar and Executive Magistrate of Mohangarh, Lalit Charan, has issued a public notice preventing humans and cattle from approaching a 500-meter radius surrounding the location. The gushing gas and water pose serious concerns, and removing the vehicle may worsen the situation.

A temporary police post has been established to enforce the evacuation order.

Charan stated that technical assistance is being discussed with oil and gas company officials to address the matter. Meanwhile, the pit continues to erupt with water, mud and gas, leaving a distinct gas odour at the site. The situation is being closely monitored by authorities to prevent things from escalating further.

Maha Kumbh 2025: A seamless and spiritually enriching journey awaits devotees, read details of the preparations to make it a global celebration of spirituality

OpIndia Staff
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Maha Kumbh 2025: A seamless and spiritually enriching journey awaits devotees, read details of the preparations to make it a global celebration of spirituality

The Uttar Pradesh Government is making extensive preparations to ensure that Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj is a grand, safe, and spiritually enriching event. Expected to host over 40 crore devotees from across the globe, this 45-day festival, from January 13 to February 26 will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.

Several efforts have been undertaken to make the event a grand success.

Infrastructure Development

Mahakumbh Nagar is being transformed into a temporary city with thousands of tents and shelters, including super deluxe accommodations like the IRCTC’s “Mahakumbh Gram” luxury tent city which offers deluxe tents and villas with modern amenities. Renovation of 92 roads and beautification of 17 major roads are nearing completion.

Construction of 30 pontoon bridges using 3,308 pontoons is underway, and 28 of them are already operational. These bridges will facilitate the movement of a large number of local residents, saints, and administrative officials during the Mela. The bridges connect the Akhara to be built in Jhunsi to the parade area, offering greater convenience to the pilgrims during the Maha Kumbh.

A total of 800 multi-language signages (Hindi, English, and regional languages) are being installed to guide visitors. Over 400 have been completed, with the rest to be ready by December 31. As part of public utilities, over 2,69,000 checkered plates have been laid for pathways. Mobile toilets and robust waste management systems will ensure hygiene.

Security Arrangements

Advanced Surveillance systems have been installed to ensure safety and security. This includes AI-powered crowd density monitoring with over 340 experts at key locations. Thousands of CCTV cameras and drones will be utilized for aerial surveillance. Some of the cameras will be AI-powered. Moreover, facial recognition technology will be used at entry points for enhanced safety.

For fire safety, four Articulating Water Towers (AWTs) capable of tackling fires up to 35 meters high, 30 metres wide will be deployed. Over ₹131 crores have been allocated for fire safety measures. The AWTs are equipped with advanced technologies, including video and thermal imaging systems, to prevent fire incidents and enhance safety.

For the first time, underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters will provide round-the-clock surveillance at the Sangam area. On the other hand, a team of 56 cyber warriors will monitor online threats. Cyber help desks are being set up in all police stations.

To enhance safety and disaster readiness, State-of-the-art Multi-Disaster Response vehicle will be deployed. They are capable of handling situations ranging from natural disasters to road accidents. This includes a lifting bag with a capacity of 10 to 20 tones, enabling the rescue of individuals buried under debris, and specialized machines to lift and move heavy objects weighing up to 1.5 tones.

Health Services

A comprehensive healthcare infrastructure is being set up in the temporary city, including temporary hospitals equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities. The infrastructure includes “Bhishma Cube” facilities, capable of treating up to 200 people simultaneously.

For eye care, a “Netra Kumbh” camp will be set up to conduct eye tests for over 5 lakh pilgrims and distribute more than 3 lakh eyeglasses. This camp will set a Guinness World Record.

An eye donation camp has also been set up, where over 11,000 people donated their eyes in 2019, and this year aims to further encourage donors to help reduce blindness among 1.5 crore visually impaired individuals in India.

Special care for vulnerable groups will also be been taken. Dedicated health camps for elderly pilgrims and children will focus on mobility assistance, hydration support, and emergency care.

Environmental Sustainability

3 temporary sewage treatment plants (STPs) are being installed to ensure clean water in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Use of solar power for lighting, promotion of reusable materials, and a ban on single-use plastics have been planned as eco-friendly measures.

Digital innovations

A dedicated app will provide real-time updates on crowd density, emergency alerts, directions, and accommodation details. Online registration and ticketing will streamline visitor management.

Temporary Wi-Fi zones will be set up to ensure connectivity for visitors. Integration with Google Maps will be done for navigation within Mahakumbh Nagar.

Tourism and Cultural Promotion

Spanning 5 acres near Nagavasuki Temple, the Uttar Pradesh Pavilion will showcase UP’s tourism circuits like Ramayana Circuit, Krishna-Braj Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Bundelkhand Circuit. It will alo feature a handicrafts market along with cultural programs.

The cultural events will include performances of classical music, dance, and exhibitions on India’s spiritual heritage will highlight the state’s cultural richness.

The Kumbh Mela preparations also include development of new corridors like Akshayavat Corridor, Saraswati Koop Corridor and Patalpuri Corridor. Further, the Nagvasuki Temple and Hanuman Temple Corridor will be renovated.

Economic Impact and Global Outreach

The Mahakumbh is expected to boost local trade with a surge in demand for Maha Kumbh-themed products like diaries, calendars, jute bags, and stationery. Sales have already increased by up to 25% due to meticulous branding.

Special provisions have been made for international visitors with multilingual signages and cultural programs showcasing India’s diversity.

Through these comprehensive efforts, Maha Kumbh 2025 aims to be not just a religious gathering but a global celebration of spirituality, culture, safety, sustainability, and modernity.

Yogi govt creates foolproof plan for safety of devotees attending Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, seven-tier security ring to be established by UP Police

OpIndia Staff
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Yogi govt creates foolproof plan for safety of devotees attending Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, seven-tier security ring to be established by UP Police

Preparations are in full swing for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj starting on 13 January. As part of the same, the state police have geared up for the occasion, and have finalised preparations.

 The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh has prepared a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety and smooth movement of over 40 crore pilgrims expected at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand cultural heritage event. To provide foolproof security and facilitate the pilgrims’ safe return home, a robust seven-tier security circle has been established by the Uttar Pradesh Police.

The Prayagraj Police will play a crucial role, handling the outer cordon for the Kumbh Mela. To strengthen this outer cordon, the Prayagraj Police have expanded their infrastructure and personnel, setting up temporary police stations and checkpoints in both urban and rural areas.

Additionally, the presence of the Provincial Armed Constabulary, NDRF, Central Armed Police Forces, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, and AS Check teams will be ensured. During the Mela, police forces will also be kept in reserve for the city and rural areas, aside from the Mela grounds, to maintain order and security.

The Prayagraj Police Commissionerate will have 57 police stations, up from 44, with the addition of 13 temporary police stations. To ensure the safety of pilgrims arriving at the Kumbh Mela, the Uttar Pradesh Police have set up new temporary stations and checkpoints near railway stations, bus terminals, airports, and other key routes.

Police Commissioner Prayagraj Tarun Gaba explained that 13 temporary police stations and 23 checkpoints are being established. In addition, paramilitary forces, PAC, bomb disposal squads, and other security forces will be deployed. Around 10,000 police personnel will be stationed across both urban and rural areas of Prayagraj.

The Police Commissioner also noted that designated routes to and from the Kumbh Mela have been identified, with temporary stations and checkpoints established, along with additional security forces to ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of the large number of pilgrims.

Furthermore, 8 zones and 18 sectors have been created, each managed by senior officers at the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Prayagraj Police Commissionerate’s permanent and temporary infrastructure includes 8 Zones, 18 Sectors, 13 Temporary Stations, 44 Permanent Stations, 23 Check Points, 21 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) Companies (with 2 in reserve), 4 NDRF companies, 4 BDD teams and 12 AS Check teams.

All India Muslim Jamaat president issues fatwa against new year celebrations calling it haram, says Muslims should not celebrate as it is against Islamic Sharia

OpIndia Staff
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All India Muslim Jamaat president issues fatwa against new year celebrations calling it haram, says Muslims should not celebrate as it is against Islamic Sharia

There is bad news for Muslims looking forward to celebrating the arrival of the new year, as it has been declared haram or prohibited. Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, national president of All India Muslim Jamaat, has issued a fatwa asking Muslims in India to not celebrate the New Year, saying that it is a festival of non-Muslims.

In the fatwa, Maulana Razvi said that singing and dancing is completely haram in Islam, that is why the new year celebration is also haram. He said that this is a criminal act as per Shariat, and Muslim youths should refrain from participating in such celebrations.

Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said that the new year is a festival of Christians and it is strictly illegal for Muslims to celebrate it. The fatwa states that the New Year begins in January, which is the start of English New Year, and therefore it is a a religious program of Christians to celebrate their first day of the year.

He said that Christians organise Christian religious programs on the occasion, and therefore it is not permissible for Muslims to participate in the same. He said that “Islam strictly prohibits such programs.”

He said that every year many programs are organized on this occasion, in which people sing, dance, burst firecrackers, make noise, drink alcohol, gamble, clap, whistle etc. People from the Muslim community also participate, which is completely wrong, as all these activities are illegal in the light of Islamic Sharia. Therefore, Muslims should stay away from such programs, he said. Adding that Islam strictly prohibits such programs, the Maulana said that if a person indulges in such non-Sharia activities, then he will be guilty.

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