Two women, including a 27-year-old Israeli tourist, were allegedly gang-raped and assaulted while stargazing near Hampi, according to PTI reports. Three male travellers accompanying them were also attacked and thrown into a canal, resulting in the death of one of them, police said on Saturday. No arrests have been made so far, but police have identified three suspects and are actively working to apprehend them. Six teams have been deployed to track down the accused, officials confirmed. As per PTI, the incident took place around 11 pm on Thursday near Sanapur Lake, close to Hampi. A 29-year-old homestay operator, along with the Israeli tourist and three male travellers, was sitting by the left bank of the Tungabhadra Canal, playing music and stargazing when they were attacked. According to police, the group included a traveller from the United States, while the other two were from Odisha and Maharashtra. The homestay operator, who later filed a complaint, stated that the assault began when three men on a motorcycle approached them under the pretext of asking for petrol. In her statement, the complainant alleged that after being told there were no petrol pumps nearby, the men demanded Rs 100. When the group refused, offering only Rs 20, the men became aggressive, started arguing, and threatened to smash their heads with stones. As per PTI, the accused, who spoke Kannada and Telugu, verbally abused the group before attacking. The homestay operator and the Israeli tourist were then allegedly raped, while the three male travellers were beaten and pushed into the canal. One of the accused allegedly strangled and assaulted the homestay operator before robbing her of her belongings, including two mobile phones and Rs 9,500 in cash. The Israeli tourist was also dragged away and raped, the FIR states. Following the attack, the accused fled on a motorcycle. Police later discovered that one of the male travellers had gone missing, and his body was recovered on Saturday night. The other two men sustained injuries. A case has been registered at Gangavathi Rural Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those related to extortion, robbery, gang rape, and attempted murder, according to police. Both women are receiving treatment at a hospital, PTI reports. Police have assured that efforts are underway to arrest the accused at the earliest.
08 March,2025 02:12 PM IST | MumbaiAs the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, two remarkable Indian Naval officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa, stand as a symbol of courage and perseverance in the vast expanse of the South Atlantic Ocean. Braving relentless storms and navigating treacherous seas, they continue to prove that the oceans, like the world, hold no limits for their spirit and determination. Their journey is a testament to the fact that courage knows no boundaries. From the South Atlantic, Lt Cdr Dilna & Lt Cdr Roopa sail through storms, proving courage knows no limits! Navika Sagar Parikrama II, flagged off in Oct 2024, showcases the Indian Navy’s commitment to women’s empowerment. These officers brave the seas, carrying the nation’s… pic.twitter.com/1xocj48YmR — Mid Day (@mid_day) March 8, 2025 Navika Sagar Parikrama II is not just a sailing expedition; it is a powerful statement of how times have changed and how the Indian Navy is leading the way in women’s empowerment. This mission follows in the wake of the first Navika Sagar Parikrama, which was successfully completed in 2018 by an all-women crew. In its second edition, Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa embarked on this ambitious global circumnavigation expedition, which was flagged off in October 2024 aboard the Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. Setting sail from India’s shores, the officers have covered thousands of nautical miles, facing the unpredictable nature of the sea with unwavering resolve. The journey has taken them through turbulent waters, harsh weather conditions, and formidable challenges, yet they have pressed on with determination, carrying the dreams of an entire nation with them. The expedition is a rigorous test of endurance, skill, and mental strength. The officers have encountered formidable storms, towering waves, and intense weather conditions that have tested their seamanship to the limits. Yet, with their meticulous training, precise navigation, and sheer perseverance, they have overcome every challenge that the sea has thrown their way. Their ability to adapt and make swift decisions in the face of adversity showcases the highest standards of naval excellence. While the world watches in awe, Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa exemplify the true spirit of womanhood and the incredible heights that women can achieve. Their journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for countless Indian women who aspire to break barriers and carve their place in history. Their courage and tenacity reaffirm that women belong in every sphere, even in those traditionally dominated by men. The Indian Navy’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity and gender equality is evident in missions like Navika Sagar Parikrama II. By providing opportunities for women to excel in challenging environments, the Navy is not just encouraging individual accomplishments but also paving the way for future generations of women officers. This historic expedition sends a powerful message to young girls across the country: the world is vast, and no dream is beyond reach. As Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa continue their voyage, their journey is far from over. Each nautical mile they conquer brings them closer to rewriting history and completing a remarkable feat of endurance and skill. Their return to Indian shores will be a moment of national pride, a celebration of their triumph, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of Indian women. On this International Women’s Day, as we honour the achievements of women across all fields, the story of these two officers serves as a powerful reminder that the ocean of possibilities is limitless. The waves they conquer today will inspire generations of women to follow their dreams and navigate uncharted waters with confidence and determination.
08 March,2025 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentTripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said the state government has given "special importance to strengthening the Panchayat system" and is working to ensure the sustainable development of every Panchayat in the coming days. "The present government is working with the aim of taking every Panchayat in the state forward successfully in the coming days. The government is committed to strengthening the infrastructure of the Panchayati Raj system, as well as advancing good governance and development," said the Chief Minister on Friday. Saha said this after formally inaugurating the state-level one-day programme at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan. The program included the ceremonial distribution of 475 computers and the award distribution program for the best performers of the National Panchayat Awards. Speaking about the Panchayat Development Index, he stated that Tripura has reached the highest level in three areas, which is not just an individual achievement but a collective honor earned through teamwork. "I extend my sincere greetings and thanks to the Panchayat Department, Rural Development Department, District Administration, Public Representatives, and everyone associated with this achievement. However, distributing computers and giving prizes is not enough; our primary goal is to strengthen the Panchayat system. This initiative has been undertaken to ensure continued success and progress in the future. We must work for the people and enhance the delivery system. Today's program aims to strengthen the Panchayat infrastructure. Through innovative thinking, we must continue the trend of good governance and development," he said. Highlighting changes in the Panchayat system since 2018 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the CM said, "PM Modi is implementing various schemes and initiatives for the people. He has also emphasised public movements at the Panchayat level. Since 70 to 75 per cent of the country is rural, the development of these areas is crucial for the overall strength of the nation. The state government is working with this vision in mind." The Chief Minister further stated that there are two and a half lakh Panchayats across the country. "If any Panchayat from our state secures the top position at the national level, it will indicate that we are on the right track. Our recognition is a testament to our efforts. This achievement not only enhances our state's progress but also contributes to the nation's development. The Panchayat Devolution Index, conducted by the central government every eight to 10 years, previously ranked Tripura at 13th or 14th place before 2015. Now, we have improved to the seventh position. I urge public representatives here to work with more innovative ideas for developing their respective Panchayats," he said. Saha emphasized the need for initiatives to build ideal Panchayats through solar power, smart Panchayat formation, groundwater level enhancement, and proper disposal of solid and liquid waste. "We have also received national-level awards for being a women-friendly and child-friendly Panchayat. Therefore, steps should be taken to make all Panchayats child-friendly and women-friendly," he added. The Chief Minister highlighted that Tripura is the only state in India where e-governance has been implemented at the three-tier Panchayat level. "This has made financial transactions and record-keeping easier. By integrating the Panchayat system with e-office management, we have strengthened Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Digital India. Today, we can proudly say that Tripura has become 'Digital Tripura.' Clean Panchayat is our core foundation, and everyone is working towards this goal," he concluded. 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
08 March,2025 10:09 AM IST | Agartala (Tripura) | ANIHimachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Rs 146.34 crore would be spent on the construction of underground utility ducts from Chhota Shimla to Willy Park and other areas in Shimla City, which would provide a 24x7 power supply to the people even during heavy snowfall and adverse weather in the city. He said that this project would increase Shimla's aesthetic appeal to tourists and restore its old glory. The CM said this while presiding over a meeting of the Public Works Department in Shimla on Friday to review the construction work of this ambitious project, as per a release. He directed the officers to complete this project in a time bound manner. He said that this project would go a long way in enhancing the infrastructure in Shimla City to increase the footfall of the tourists and facilitate the local people. Sukhu said that the construction of underground utility ducts would also avoid the repeated digging of the road. He said that all utilities like water pipelines, electrical lines and fibre cables would be laid in a common underground duct. The Chief Minister also directed the officers that the construction of utility ducts should follow the vision of the State Government, 'Green Himachal,' and that no inconvenience be caused to the people during the execution of this work. He said that the present state government had initiated various schemes to attract more tourists to the State, and the necessary infrastructure was being created to facilitate them. Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar and senior officers of the Public Works Department also attended the meeting. 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
08 March,2025 10:09 AM IST | Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) | ANIIndian and Bhutanese officials held a meeting in New Delhi from March 6 and 7 to review matters related to boundary-related field work, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said The two sides discussed the potential for technological and capacity-building collaboration relating to survey and boundary-related work, as per the priorities of both the nations, the MEA said in a release on Friday Both sides expressed satisfaction with the work completed by the respective field survey teams and other stakeholders on boundary-related field matters. They also finalised the work plan for the next three field seasons. The Indian side was led by Surveyor General of India, Hitesh Kumar S Makwana, and the Bhutanese side was led by Dasho Letho T Tangbi, Secretary, International Boundaries, Royal Government of Bhutan. As per the MEA, the meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and is in keeping with the tradition of regular dialogues in all sectors of bilateral cooperation. Earlier in February, Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay concluded his official visit to India from February 20-21. During this visit, he participated in the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) conclave, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per the statement by the MEA, during the visit, PM Tobgay had a meeting with Prime Minister Modi and other senior ministers and officials of the Government of India. "The visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, a hallmark of the special partnership}", the MEA had observed. India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation underpinned by mutual trust, shared values, and utmost goodwill at all levels. 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
08 March,2025 10:09 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, presenting his record sixteenth budget on Friday, strongly defended the government’s five guarantee schemes and targeted the Union government for the state’s fiscal challenges. He also emphasised that the budget was “development-oriented”. The total expenditure for the 2025-26 Budget is estimated to be Rs 4,09,549 crore. It includes revenue expenditure of Rs 3,11,739 crore, capital expenditure of Rs 71,336 crore and loan repayment of Rs 26,474 crore. The government has the responsibility to ensure that available resources are accessible to everyone, by balancing economic development with people’s welfare, said the CM, who presented the budget in the Assembly sitting due to knee pain. The administration was shaping Karnataka’s development model through the concept of “Universal Basic Income”, he said. The CM noted that this year’s budget will focus on implementing programmes across six key developmental dimensions: Welfare, Agriculture and Rural Development, Development-Oriented, Urban Development, Job Creation and Governance Reforms. Rs 71,336Capital expnditure amount for 2025-26 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
08 March,2025 08:15 AM IST | Bengaluru | AgenciesTamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday wrote a letter to the chief ministers of other states, expressing concern over the Union government’s proposed delimitation exercise. He warned that the exercise could diminish the influence of states like Tamil Nadu, which have successfully controlled their population, in shaping the nation’s future. Stalin pointed out that the previous delimitation exercises were conducted in 1952, 1963, and 1973, but were frozen by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 until the first census after 2000. The freeze was extended in 2002 until the census after 2026. However, with the 2021 Census delayed, the delimitation process might happen earlier than expected, potentially affecting states that have controlled their population and achieved better governance. The CM stated that if the exercise is based on population after 2026, states with better population control would face a reduction in parliamentary representation, which he called unjust. He also stated that the Union Government has not provided clarity on the matter, only offering vague assurances. 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
08 March,2025 08:15 AM IST | Chennai | AgenciesIndia on Friday voiced concern over Bangladesh releasing certain "violent extremists" and underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government in Dhaka to protect Hindus and other minorities as well as their religious institutions. New Delhi said it supports a "stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh" in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged that the prevailing security situation in Bangladesh and long-standing local issues have affected the pace of implementation of some of the India-assisted projects in that country. "We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation, further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists, who were sentenced for serious crimes," he said. India has repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government to protect the Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and religious institutions, he said. "However, only 1254 incidents out of over 2374 incidents reported from August 5, 2024 to February 16, 2025 have been verified by the police. Further, 98 per cent of these 1254 incidents were deemed 'political in nature'," Jaiswal said. "We expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson and violence to justice without making such distinctions," he added. There has been a sharp downturn in India-Bangladesh relations after deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka in August in the face of a massive anti-government protest. The relations nosedived dramatically after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus failed to contain attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country. To a question, Jaiswal said development cooperation is a priority area for India in the context of its relations with the people of Bangladesh. "The recent security situation and long-standing local issues have affected the pace of implementation of some of these projects," he said. "The official discussions therefore focused on rationalising the project portfolio and executing mutually agreed projects in a time bound manner," he said. "Subject to obtaining the committed support and pending clearances from the Bangladesh side, we plan to take these projects forward," Jaiswal added. He also said that the 86th meeting of the joint committee constituted to oversee the implementation of the Ganga Water treaty between India and Bangladesh was held on March 6 in Kolkata. "This routine technical meeting, which is scheduled thrice annually, is part of an institutional structured mechanism associated with the implementation of the Treaty signed in 1996," he said. "At the meeting, the two sides discussed technical issues pertaining to the Ganga Water Treaty, measurement of water flows and other issues of mutual interest," he noted. 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.
07 March,2025 11:16 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Supreme Court on Friday said it would hear on April 22 pleas seeking a probe into the alleged unauthorised use of Pegasus spyware for surveillance of journalists among others. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh deferred the hearing after solicitor general Tushar Mehta, seeking an adjournment, said the matter had come up after a long time. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, said only two petitions were listed on Friday and there were other connected petitions, which required a hearing. The bench directed the registry to fix all the matters on the issue on April 22. On August 25, 2022, the top court said the technical panel appointed by it to probe the unauthorised use of Pegasus found some malware in five of 29 examined cellphones but it could not be held that the Israeli spyware was used. After perusing the report submitted by former apex court Justice R V Raveendran, the top court said the Central government did not cooperate with the Pegasus probe. The top court in 2021 ordered a probe into the allegations of the use of Israeli spyware by government agencies for targeted surveillance of politicians, journalists, and activists and appointed technical and supervisory committees to examine the matter. The overseeing panel has submitted a "lengthy" three-part report, one of which suggested amending the law to protect citizens' right to privacy and ensure the nation's cyber security, it had said. The technical panel, which included three experts on cyber security, digital forensics, networks, and hardware, was asked to "inquire, investigate and determine" whether Pegasus spyware was used for snooping on citizens and their probe would be monitored by Raveendran. The panel members were Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, Prabaharan P, and Ashwin Anil Gumaste. Justice Raveendran, who headed the monitoring panel, was assisted by former IPS officer Alok Joshi and cyber security expert Sundeep Oberoi in monitoring the inquiry of the technical panel. The apex court, in its order, had said the probe panel would be empowered to enquire and investigate what steps or actions were taken by the Centre after reports were published in 2019 on the hacking of WhatsApp accounts of Indian citizens using the Pegasus suite of spyware. Also whether any Pegasus suite was acquired by the Union of India, or any state government, or any central or state agency for use against the citizens of India, it added. An international media consortium had reported that over 300 verified Indian cellphone numbers were on the list of potential targets for surveillance using the Pegasus spyware. 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.
07 March,2025 11:13 PM IST | New Delhi | PTICongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday began his two-day Gujarat visit with a focus on 2027 assembly polls, where he gave indications of a major overhaul in the party's state unit and assured to implement a strong plan to defeat the BJP. Gandhi arrived in Ahmedabad in the morning and held meetings with party leaders throughout the day. After his arrival at the airport here, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha headed straight to Gujarat Congress headquarters in Paldi area of the city. He first met senior party leaders, including former state Congress presidents and former leaders of opposition (LoPs) in the assembly, the party said in a statement. Later in the day, he attended a meeting with members of the state political affairs committee. In a statement on Thursday, the Congress said Gandhi had earlier asserted that the party would win the 2027 Gujarat assembly elections and he would be visiting the state to start the work for the polls. Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been under BJP's rule since 1995. In the evening, Gandhi held a meeting with district and city presidents of the Congress. Thereafter, he interacted with nearly 400 taluka and municipality chiefs of the party. Talking to reporters in the evening, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal said Gandhi took opinions of ground-level party workers on what changes were required to strengthen the party organisation. "This meeting was aimed at strengthening the party and its organisation in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi gave his entire time to listen to party leaders from block, district and state level. Our concentration is to strengthen party organisation, and that is why we are taking views of local leaders," Venugopal said after the meetings. In a release, the Gujarat Congress said that during his meetings, Gandhi asked the state unit to raise issues concerning local people. He assured the local cadres to bring about major changes in the organisation and responsibility as well as accountability of new office-bearers will also be fixed, it said. Gandhi asked party leaders to raise issues, including those related to unemployment, inflation, women's security and plight of farmers in Gujarat. In his dialogue with the district presidents, special emphasis was laid to strengthen the organisational structure up to the booth-level, the release said, adding that Gandhi also urged cadres to start their preparations for the upcoming assembly polls. Gandhi assured the local leaders that the party is going to implement a "strong plan" to defeat BJP in Gujarat, he said. Gandhi will address party workers in Ahmedabad on Saturday and leave for Delhi that afternoon. The upcoming AICC session is scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad on April 8-9. It will be held in the state after 64 years. In the 2022 Gujarat assembly elections, the Congress won only 17 of the 182 seats in the state. But the party's strength in the House came down to 12 after the resignation of five MLAs. 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.
07 March,2025 11:10 PM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day state visit to Mauritius beginning March 11 to grace the island nation's national day celebrations as the chief guest. A number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be exchanged between the two sides during the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. The visit will reaffirm the strong and enduring bond between India and Mauritius and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to enhance the bilateral relationship across all sectors, it said. A contingent of Indian defence forces will also participate in the celebrations along with a ship from the Indian Navy, it said. Modi is travelling to Mauritius at the invitation of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a state visit to Mauritius on March 11 and 12 to attend the national day celebrations of Mauritius," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing. The national day celebrations of Mauritius will be on March 12. Modi last visited Mauritius in 2015. Jaiswal said Modi will call on the president of Mauritius, meet the prime minister, and hold meetings with senior dignitaries and leaders of political parties in the island nation. "The prime minister will also interact with the members of the Indian-origin community, and inaugurate the civil service college and the area health centre, both built with India's grant assistance," the MEA said in a statement. A number of MoUs will be exchanged during the visit, it said. "India and Mauritius share a close and special relationship rooted in shared historical, cultural and people to people ties. Further, Mauritius forms an important part of India's Vision SAGAR that is Security and growth for All in the Region," it said. An Indian Navy ship will also travel to Mauritius on the occasion. India has close and longstanding relations with Mauritius, an island nation in the Western Indian Ocean. A key reason for the special ties is the fact that Indian origin people comprise nearly 70 per cent of the island nation's population of 1.2 million. Since 2005, India has been among the largest trading partners of Mauritius. For the financial year 2022-2023, Indian exports to Mauritius was USD 462 million while Mauritian exports to India was USD 91.50 million. The total trade volume was USD 554 million. Trade has grown by 132 per cent in the last 17 years, from USD 206 million in 2005-06 to USD 554 million in 2022-23, according to official data. 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.
07 March,2025 10:54 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
