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Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link set to transform Uttarakhand's connectivity
The Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link Project is progressing steadily and promising to revolutionise connectivity in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Stretching over 125.20 kilometres, the project is a landmark in Indian railway engineering, featuring an impressive 83.07 per cent of the route through tunnels.A total of 16 main tunnels, spanning 104 kilometres, and 12 escape tunnels covering 97.72 kilometres are being constructed alongside 7.05 kilometres of cross-passages. The longest tunnel alone stretches 14.58 kilometres, highlighting the challenging terrain the project is overcoming.The rail link includes 14 rail bridges, of which five are categorised as important and major. These bridges cover a total length of 3,076 meters, with the tallest, Gauchar Bridge (Br-15), rising to 46.99 meters. The Srinagar Bridge (Br-09) stands out with a maximum length of 489 meters, and the Devprayag Bridge (Br-06) boasts the longest span of 125 meters.In addition to the rail infrastructure, the project also features six road bridges, two road overbridges and 38 minor bridges, ensuring seamless multimodal integration. Twelve new stations are planned along the route, further enhancing local accessibility and economic prospects.Another significant component is the 18.43 kilometres of open cutting and embankment, comprising 14.72 per cent of the entire route, which accommodates the region's challenging geographical conditions.Once completed, the Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link will significantly reduce travel time, boost tourism and provide a reliable transportation corridor for locals and pilgrims alike, connecting the Garhwal hills to the rest of India like never before.Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami termed the Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project the foundation stone of development, connectivity, and the state's prosperous future."The first phase of the long-awaited rail project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026."Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project is not just a railway line but the foundation stone of development, connectivity and the prosperous future of the state," Dhami said in a post on X."Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project is not just a railway line but the foundation stone of development, connectivity and prosperous future of the state," Dhami said in a post on X."Under the leadership of the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiji, Devbhoomi is now running on the track of development; every station, every tunnel and every bridge of this project is making the dream of railway on the mountains come true," the Chief Minister added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
16 April,2025 10:07 PM IST | Rishikesh | ANI
Maharashtra govt signs MoUs with 74 companies for Rs 930 crore investment
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with 74 companies for investment of Rs 930.11 crore in Beed district of the state, the officials said, reported the PTI. The MoUs were signed during an investment summit organised by the state industries department in Beed city of Maharashtra. "The signing of MoUs will provide employment to 6,036 people," a district official said, according to the PTI. Companies involved in agriculture and food processing, sugar, oil, paint and other products inked pacts for Rs 930.11 crore investment in Beed district. Of the total amount, two sugar companies will invest Rs 562 crore, he said, the news agency reported. MoUs worth Rs 2,268 crore signed with 108 firms during Latur investment summit in Maharashtra Meanwhile, last week, the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 2,268 crore were signed during the Latur Investment Summit in Maharashtra, an official had said on Saturday, reported the PTI. The MoUs with 108 units will generate 2,600 jobs, said Collector Varsha Thakur-Ghuge. While last year's target was Rs 600 crore, the actual investments were above Rs 1200 crore, she said, as per the PTI. "In order to resolve industry challenges and encourage entrepreneurship, the administration has been holding consistent dialogues with business leaders. This support will continue in the future. Latur has consistently ranked among the top districts in Maharashtra for implementing schemes like the Chief Minister's Employment Generation Programme," the collector said, according to the PTI. She urged industries to adopt solar energy solutions extensively and asked banks to simplify lending policies to better support entrepreneurs, the news agency reported. Earlier, last week, the Maharashtra Government had on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation ROSATOM for the joint development of a thorium-based nuclear reactor. The agreement was signed at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The MoU was signed between Mahagenco and ROSATOM's 'Small Modular Reactor with Thorium Fuel' initiative. According to the terms of the agreement, the collaboration aims to develop a thorium reactor in Maharashtra, commercialise thorium reactor technology in line with the safety standards set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), and establish an assembly line for thorium reactors under the state’s ‘Make in Maharashtra’ initiative. (with PTI inputs)
16 April,2025 09:33 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondent
Tahsildar in Maharashtra assaults wife, threatens her with gun; arrested
A 34-year-old Tahsildar (revenue department officer) has been arrested on attempt to murder and other charges after he allegedly assaulted his wife and threatened her with a pistol in Maharashtra's Nanded district, police officers said on Wednesday. According to news agency PTI, the accused – Avinash Shembatwad – is a resident of Nanded city in central Maharashtra, but is currently posted at Dhanora in the Naxal-affected district of Gadchiroli in the Vidarbha region. The police said Shembatwad’s parents and other relatives have also been named in the first information report (FIR). The incident came to light when Shembatwad's wife approached the Shivajinagar Police in Nanded with a complaint on April 13, the officer informed, according to PTI. The complainant said the tahsildar used to torture her mentally and physically as she could not conceive a child after years of marriage. He allegedly assaulted his wife and threatened to kill her by brandishing a pistol, her complaint stated, according to PTI. Fed up with the constant torture, the woman filed a complaint against her husband as well as the other members of her husband’s family. Accordingly, a case was registered against tahsildar, his parents and two brothers under the relevant sections of the new criminal code, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including one related to attempt to murder, and under the Domestic Violence Act, the officer quoted above informed. On April 13, Shembatwad was in Nanded city when a police team arrested him, he added. A local court has remanded him in 14-day judicial custody. Further probe was underway, the officer added. Thane court acquits man accused of stalking, assaulting minor girl A special court in Maharashtra's Thane district has acquitted a 25-year-old man accused of stalking and assaulting a minor girl, citing a lack of substantial evidence against him, reported news agency PTI. Special judge D S Deshmukh acquitted the man booked under section 354 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code dealing with stalking and criminal intimidation and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, reported PTI. A copy of the order dated April 4 was made available on Monday. The prosecution alleged that the accused stalked and outraged the modesty of the 15-year-old girl between August 2020 and January 8, 2021, reported PTI. Defence counsel Sudhakar R Parad contested the allegation and punched holes in the prosecution case and the police investigation. The Thane court found the prosecution's evidence insufficient to establish the accused's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. (With PTI inputs)
16 April,2025 09:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Beed district in Maharashtra to get new centre for innovation, training
To help the youth upskill, a centre for invention, innovation, incubation and training will come up in Maharashtra's Beed district, an official said on Wednesday. Once ready, the centre, which will come up at Rs 191 crore, will train 7,000 youth every year, the district administration said in an official release. The centre will be set up by Tata Technologies Limited, while the district administration will bear 15 per cent of the cost, the official release said. Deputy Chief Minister and Beed guardian minister Ajit Pawar had earlier written to the company to start a centre for invention, innovation, incubation and training that will create an industry-friendly environment in the district, it said. This centre will also help companies get trained manpower. After establishing the centre, the company will take care of the expenses for three years, the release said. After three years, the district administration and the company will take care of the facility jointly, the release added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 April,2025 07:22 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | PTI
Mamata hits back at Yogi Adityanath over Waqf violence remark
West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hit back at her Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath, calling him the "biggest Bhogi" (a materialistic person), in response to his criticism of the recent violence in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act. Addressing a gathering of Imams and religious leaders at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo accused Adityanath of trying to divert attention from issues in his state and criticised his handling of law and order, particularly during religious events. "Yogi is saying big things. He is the biggest 'Bhogi'. How many people died in the Mahakumbh stampede? Did he publish the correct figures of how many people died? So many are killed in police encounters in Uttar Pradesh. He doesn't even allow peaceful rallies. In Bengal, people enjoy freedom," Banerjee said. Her comments came a day after the UP CM said "Bengal is burning" and accused Banerjee of maintaining silence over the violence, even referring to the protesters as "messengers of peace." Adityanath also said, "Laton ke bhoot baaton se kahan manne wale hain (Those who only respond to thrashing don't understand words)," implying that strict action is the only way to handle rioters. Hitting back, Banerjee questioned Adityanath's moral authority to speak on law and order and accused him of hiding behind a facade of spirituality. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 April,2025 07:19 PM IST | Kolkata | PTI
Jumla model of BJP: Cong on Maharashtra govt's Ladki Bahin scheme 'stipend cut'
The Congress on Wednesday attacked the government over media reports claiming that the stipend under the Maharashtra government's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme has been cut, saying this is the "jumla model" of the BJP. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has, however, said the scheme to provide financial assistance to women will continue and that there is no question of scrapping it. Earlier, state Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare on Tuesday said no change has been made in the amount of assistance paid under the scheme, but some 7.74 lakh women already getting Rs 1,000 under another scheme are being paid the difference of Rs 500. She was responding to reports claiming the aid under the Ladki Bahin scheme was reduced for 7,74,148 women who were receiving benefits of other schemes. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said, "This is the Jumla model of BJP! At the time of elections, one remembers one's 'laadli sister', but as soon as the elections are over, one turns away from the same sister." "The policies of the Modi government have already reduced the income of the common person, and on top of that, the impact of inflation has made it even more difficult for housewives and common women to run the household," he said in a post on X. "It is reported that the Mahayuti government of Maharashtra has reduced the assistance amount for 8 lakh women under the Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana from Rs 1500 to just Rs 500," he said. "The message of the government is clear - With one hand, spend money on your capitalist friends, and loot the public's pockets with the other!" Ramesh said. "The result is that today lakhs of families in the country are burdened with debt, their debt is increasing, common women are forced to take loans by mortgaging their gold to run the household and raise their children," he said. Under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which is believed to have played a key role in the victory of the ruling Mahayuti (comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP) in the state polls last year, women are provided Rs 1,500 every month. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 April,2025 06:17 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Chhattisgarh: Hardcore Naxalites killed in encounter with security forces
Two hardcore Naxalites, carrying a collective bounty of Rs 13 lakh, have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, police said on Wednesday. The gunfight took place on Tuesday evening in a forest of Kilam-Bargum villages along the border of Kondagaon and Narayanpur districts when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation, Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P said. Personnel belonging to the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, both units of the state police, from Kondagaon were involved in the operation, he said. So far, bodies of two Naxalites along with one AK-47 rifle and other weapons and explosives have been recovered from the spot, he said, adding the search operation was underway in the area. The killed Naxalites have been identified as Haldar, a dreaded Maoist commander and member of the east Bastar division of Maoists, and Rame, an area committee member, the official said. Haldar and Rame carried rewards of Rs 8 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively, on their heads, he said. With the latest action, 140 Naxalites have been gunned down in separate encounters in the state so far this year. Of them, 123 were eliminated in the Bastar division comprising seven districts, including Narayanpur and Kondagaon. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 April,2025 06:08 PM IST | Raipur | PTI
Protest is a democratic right, but violence is treason: Muslim Rashtriya Manch
The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) on Tuesday condemned the "violent" incidents that erupted in Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal during the protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, stating that the protest is a democratic right, but violence is treason," an MRM release said. The Manch blamed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the violence and called the silence of the opposition INDIA bloc and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shameful. It stated that spreading violence under the cover of the Constitution and democracy is an act of treason and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. "The dream of uniting India is shared by every citizen, but if in the name of that unity, some people set the country ablaze, then it is the greatest betrayal," the Muslim body said. The Manch appealed to the people to become aware of the national interest and recognise the designs of extremists, votebank politicians, and those who run shops of hatred in the name of love. "The situation in West Bengal is extremely tense. A large number of Hindu families are migrating. Out of fear, many have taken shelter in the Malda district after abandoning their homes. Due to the violence, schools and colleges in several places are shut, markets are deserted, and normal life is in disarray. Victims have demanded that the Central Government impose President's Rule in the state. The Muslim Rashtriya Manch has condemned the entire episode, calling it a pre-planned conspiracy", the release further added. According to the Manch, "In a democratic country like India, every citizen has the right to disagree and protest, but stone-pelting, arson, murder, and vandalism are not democratic expressions--they are acts of treason." The Manch asserted that protests can be peaceful, but if innocent lives are lost, it must be considered a crime against the nation. It also made serious allegations against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of not only staying silent on the violence but also giving extremists a free hand. The Manch claimed that the police and administration stood as mute spectators, deliberately leaving the local Hindu population unsafe. "Where no such violent protests have been reported from other states over the Waqf law, the scale of arson, looting, and communal tension in Bengal is not just a government failure; it is a full-fledged conspiracy by the Mamata administration," it stated. The Manch also questioned the role of the INDIA alliance. "Why is Rahul Gandhi silent now when Bengal is burning, despite tweeting and protesting on every other issue? Rahul Gandhi undertook the Bharat Jodo Yatra, but today, when India is burning, he has turned a blind eye," the Manch said. It also targeted other INDIA bloc leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Stalin, Sharad Pawar, and Hemant Soren, asking, "Does your definition of secularism not include Hindu suffering?" The Manch described the violence as a dangerous outcome of vote-bank politics. It said, "This was a well-planned conspiracy where innocents were used as shields to damage communal harmony in the name of protesting the Waqf law." It also added that such violence harms India's image at the international level. The Muslim Rashtriya Manch has demanded the strictest action against the radical groups and extremists behind the violence, stating, "The nation stands above any religion or identity. Those who incite riots are enemies of India." It has also called for a high-level judicial inquiry into the role of the state government and termed the incident a matter of national security. The Manch has appealed for intervention by the Central Government, Home Ministry, and the National Human Rights Commission. It welcomed the directions by the Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court to deploy central forces in violence-affected areas and said that had timely action not been taken, the loss of life and property would have been even greater. Appealing to Muslims, the Manch urged them to respect the law, avoid rumours, and not fall for anti-national propaganda. It concluded, "Islam is a message of peace. Violence, hatred, and arson do not serve religion--only spread terror." (ANI) This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 April,2025 06:02 PM IST | New Delhi | ANI
Kolkata Police arrest 17 involved in violence in Bhangar over new Waqf Act
Police have picked up eight more persons for their alleged involvement in the violence that followed a protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Bhangar, located in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to 17, officials said on Wednesday. According to a senior Kolkata Police officer, 12 people were arrested from Kashipur Police Station limits on Monday night, hours after the violence. On Tuesday night, another four were arrested from Hatisala and one person was taken into custody from Chandaneswar, the officer added. "These persons were identified through CCTV camera footage, where they were seen vandalising property and inciting violence in Bhangar," the officer said. The unrest began on Monday when violence broke out in Bhangar during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act with supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashing with police, resulting in multiple injuries, damage to public property and the torching of several police vehicles. The clashes escalated when police attempted to stop ISF supporters from marching toward Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata to attend an anti-Waqf Act rally addressed by ISF leader and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddique. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 April,2025 05:37 PM IST | Kolkata | PTI
Piyush Goyal meets Starlink officials, discusses future investment plans
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met a delegation from Elon Musk-owned satellite internet services company Starlink. The Starlink delegation comprised Vice-President Chad Gibbs and Senior Director Ryan Goodnight. "Discussions covered Starlink's cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships & future investment plans in India," Minister Goyal wrote on X, post the meeting. Met a delegation from @Starlink, comprising of Vice President Chad Gibbs & Senior Director, Ryan Goodnight. Discussions covered Starlink's cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships & future investment plans in India. pic.twitter.com/mX66Y6Ltsn — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 16, 2025 Recently, Airtel and Jio have partnered with Starlink to bring the latter high-speed satellite internet services to its customers in India. Satellite telecom in India will help the country provide much-needed services to remote interior places where conventional telecom services tend to be costly. Starlink's entry into India has gained currency lately, with Donald Trump winning the US presidency for a second term. Elon Musk is a close aide of President Trump. As per its website, Starlink is the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world. Starlink says its satellites are constantly updated with the newest technology. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 April,2025 05:32 PM IST | New Delhi | ANI
Mamata claims Murshidabad riots pre-planned, fuelled by BJP, BSF
West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday called the recent communal clashes in Murshidabad "pre-planned," accusing sections of the Border Security Force (BSF), central agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of fueling tensions by allegedly aiding cross-border movement from Bangladesh. According to PTI, Mamata Banerjee demanded that PM Modi should stop implementing the "atrocious" Waqf (Amendment) Act, while addressing a meeting with Muslim religious leaders. Mamata also warned that it would divide the nation and requested PM Modi to rein in Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whom she had accused of "harming the nation most for his political agenda." The TMC supremo claimed that despite the volatile situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, the Centre rushed through the Waqf (Amendment) Act and allowed illegal cross-border infiltration, both of which, she alleged, contributed to the unrest in Bengal. Banerjee alleged that a section of the BSF and certain central agencies under the Home Ministry played a "role in facilitating the violence" and ordered a probe into the role of the border guarding force, reported PTI. "I came across news claiming the role of elements from across the border in the Murshidabad unrest. Is it not the role of the BSF to guard the border? The BSF is under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The state government does not guard the international border. The Central government can't evade responsibility. I will find out who the BSF had financed in the border areas by paying money to local youths to pelt stones during the violence," the CM said. She announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the victims and directed the state Chief Secretary to initiate an inquiry into the BSF's actions, PTI reported. "I would request the Prime Minister to keep a check on Amit Shah. He is harming the country the most to serve his political interests. Why is he (Amit Shah) in such a hurry? He will never become the Prime Minister, and what will he do once Modi-ji leaves? The PM must see how his home minister is misusing central agencies. PM Modi-ji must control him," Banerjee stated. The CM has further alleged that BJP-backed outsiders had entered West Bengal to instigate Murshidabad violence. "Why were BJP goons from outside allowed to come and create chaos before fleeing the scene? Accountability must be fixed. They want to polarise and divide Hindus and Muslims. They want their Jumla government. Don't divide the country, unite it instead," she stated. The previous week, Banerjee had announced that the Waqf Amendment Act would be implemented in Bengal. Terming the newly passed Waqf (Amendment) Act as "atrocious" and "anti-federal," Mamata Banerjee questioned the Centre's haste in enacting it and urged the Prime Minister to halt its implementation in the current form. "I want to challenge and ask the Government of India: why the haste in pushing through the Waqf Amendment Act? Were you unaware of the tense situation in Bangladesh? Bengal shares borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Hold meetings with Muhammad Yunus, sign pacts and agreements. I will welcome anything that benefits the country. But what is your plan: sparking riots through certain agencies that allow cross-border movement?" Mamata questioned. Banerjee stated that if the Centre wanted to change the Waqf Act, it could have gone for a constitutional amendment. The chief minister firmly denied the opposition's claim that the ruling Trinamool Congress was involved in the Murshidabad violence. "If the TMC was behind this Waqf-related violence, as the opposition alleges, why were the homes of our party leaders attacked?" she asked. "No one has the right to forcibly take control of religious properties," the TMC leader added. The TMC supremo appealed to the INDIA bloc parties to unite in fighting against the Waqf Act. "I appeal to the INDIA alliance through you. Let's unite and fight this together with courage. This isn't just a personal issue; it will impact everyone. Today, they are targeting one group. Tomorrow, it could be another. After this, they are even talking about bringing in a Uniform Civil Code," she said. Banerjee claimed that the BJP's alleged attempts to incite violence during Ram Navami had failed and reiterated her commitment to maintaining communal harmony. "You (people) jointly foiled their plans on Ram Navami. Stay alert. I would also like to say that there are traitors in every community. If the BJP tries to provoke people in the name of Hindu-Muslim, you must stand up. The Imam Sahab must also play a role. We want peace. As long as we are here, we will not allow anyone to divide Hindus and Muslims," she said. "As long as I am here, I will not allow the division of people. I want unity," she added. (With PTI inputs)
16 April,2025 05:18 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent