In a significant boost for wildlife conservation, Forest Department officials and researchers at the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve have captured images of a new tiger through a camera trap installed in the forest, bringing exciting news for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve is located in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri ranges and the area of the reserve is 1,165.57 sq. km, with a buffer zone of 565.45 sq. km and a core area of 600.12 sq. km. The reserve spans across four districts: Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts in Maharashtra. Dr. V. Clement Ben, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests – Wildlife West, stated, "A new tiger has been captured on a camera trap at the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve on October 28, in the Chanoli National Park. In addition, the ground staff also found fresh pugmarks of the tiger. Currently, the reserve is home to a resident tiger, T1, and the sighting of this new individual is a very encouraging development for us." When the image of the tiger was spotted in the camera trap, the picture was cross-checked with the forest department's tiger photo database. Wildlife biologist Girish Punjabi confirmed to the forest department that this was indeed a new tiger in the range. Punjabi, who has been extensively working on tiger conservation in the region, told the forest department officials that the same tiger (T2) had been spotted in a camera trap at Radhanagri Wildlife Sanctuary in April 2024. It is believed that the tiger travelled approximately 100 km to reach the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve from Radhanagri Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located in Kolhapur.
08 November,2024 08:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn a no-holds-barred attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the saffron party of "burning Manipur" and making attempts to divide people across the country on religious lines, reported news agency PTI. The Congress leader was addressing a rally in Jharkhand ahead of the state elections which will be held in two phases: November 13 and 20. During his address, Gandhi also alleged that the saffron party deprived 90 per cent of the nation's population of their due rights and benefits. "The BJP burnt Manipur and attempted to divide people on religious lines. It incited Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs against each other. In recently held Haryana elections, the BJP incited Jats against non-Jats...It is the character of the BJP," Gandhi alleged, while addressing an election rally in Lohardaga. According to PTI, the Congress leader also claimed that he undertook a 4,000-km padyatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to "spread the message of love and to open 'nafrat ke bazar me Mohabbat ki dukan' (to open shops of love in the market of hatred)". "When I raise my voice for tribals and Dalits, the BJP accuses me of dividing India. I am here to unite and strengthen India. If I am wrong for raising the voice for 90 per cent of India's population, which constitutes tribals, Dalits and OBCs (Other Backward Classes), for their participation in governance, I will continue to do so," the Member of Parliament (MP) from Rae Bareli stated. BJP waived loans of 25 capitalists: Rahul Gandhi He alleged that the BJP waived loans of 25 capitalists worth Rs 16 lakh-crore but blamed the Congress for easing farmers' debts to the tune of Rs 72,000 crore during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, which was in power from 2004 to 2014. "Did the BJP government waive any loan of Jharkhand farmers?...No because you are tribals, Dalits and OBCs. BJP will never waive your debts because it waives debts of capitalists," he alleged. According to PTI, in another rally at Simdega, Gandhi accused the BJP of trying to snatch 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen (water, forest, land)' from the tribal community. He also termed the Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024 as a fight of ideology between the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and the BJP-RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) combine. The Congress leader alleged that the RSS-BJP's mission was to "destroy" the Constitution, while the INDIA bloc "wanted to protect" it. "PM (Narendra) Modi calls you 'vanvasi' as the BJP believes that land, forest and water belong to the saffron party, RSS and capitalists. The BJP believes in grabbing tribal land under its newly coined word development. It wants to snatch 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen' (water, forest, land) from tribals," Gandhi alleged while addressing a rally in Jharkhand's Simdega. He also claimed that the Constitution was under "constant attack" and the INDIA bloc was making "all efforts to protect it". 'INDIA will conduct caste census if voted to power' Gandhi has promised to implement the caste census and remove the 50 per cent cap on the reservation, if the INDIA bloc is voted to power in Jharkhand. "The Constitution is under constant attack and it needs to be protected. We will remove the cap of 50 per cent reservation at any cost. If we are voted to power in Jharkhand, we will raise the reservation of STs to 28 per cent from the present 26 per cent, SCs to 12 per cent from the current 10 per cent and OBCs to 27 per cent from the existing 14 per cent," he claimed. He also asserted that a caste census is "a must to identify the participation of tribals, Dalits and OBCs" in various institutions and wealth of the country. "When I raised the issue in Parliament, PM Modi was silent and later said that Rahul Gandhi wants to divide the country," the Congress leader claimed. This was Gandhi's second visit to the state after the Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024 was announced. The polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20 and the counting for the Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024 will take place on November 23. (With PTI inputs)
08 November,2024 07:01 PM IST | Lohardaga | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar's disapproval of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's 'batenge to katenge' remark shows there was no unity in the ruling Mahayuti alliance, reported the PTI. CM Yogi Adityanath has been raising 'batenge to katenge' slogan at his election rallies in state ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election 2024. Talking about it, BJP ally and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Thursday said the people of the state do not appreciate such remarks, and that the people of the state have always strived to maintain communal harmony. Addressing a poll rally in Maharashtra's Buldhana, Uddhav Thackeray said, "Ajit Pawar's disapproval of Yogi's remark shows there is no unity in the ruling Mahayuti alliance. In this scenario, Maharashtra does not need to learn any lesson from the UP chief minister." The ruling Mahayuti alliance comprises the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP. Uddhav Thackeray took a dig at the BJP stating that it has to bring leaders from outside the state to campaign ahead of the Maharashtra polls. "The Maharashtra assembly election 2024 is a contest between those who love Maharashtra and those who betray it," he said, dubbing the Mahayuti allies as betrayers of the state. "The Mahayuti government is the most corrupt in Maharashtra's history. They indulged in corruption in building the statue (of Shivaji Maharaj). Work done with inauspicious hands does not see any success and the statue collapsed," Uddhav Thackeray said. The statue of Shivaji Maharaj was unveiled last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Uddhav Thackeray also announced that if the MVA is voted to power in the state, its government will build the temples of Shivaji Maharaj in every district. "The temples will highlight the teachings of Shivaji Maharaj on how to govern and respect women," the former chief minister said, adding that he will also build the Maratha warrior king's temple at Surat in Gujarat. "Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cannot tolerate 'Shivaji Maharaj ki jai' slogan. He (Fadnavis) said you build a temple in Mumbra (a Muslim dominated locality in Thane) first. Do you find it difficult to build Chhatrapati Shivaji's temple in the home district of CM (Shinde)? They think Shivaji Maharaj is a vote-getting machine," Uddhav Thackeray alleged, as per the PTI. The former Maharashtra chief minister asked how Ajit Pawar sits next to Devendra Fadnavis, whose party had arrested NCP leader Nawab Malik and linked him to terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. Nawab Malik was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in 2022 in a money laundering case. He was later released on bail. He is also the NCP candidate from Mankhurd Shivajinagar. Uddhav Thackeray also accused the BJP of launching an attack on his party with the help of "dacoits", apparently referring to the MLAs who rebelled against his party and sided with CM Eknath Shinde. "The Shiv Sena stood with the BJP in its tough times. Had Shiv Sena not been there, Modi would not have been the prime minister and Fadnavis would not have been the CM," he said. Vidarbha gave maximum MPs to the BJP from 2014 and 2019. But how many people from Vidarbha got jobs in the last 10 years, Thackeray asked. He claimed that the wind was blowing in favour of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra. (with PTI inputs)
08 November,2024 06:46 PM IST | Buldhana | mid-day online correspondentThe Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission has proposed that men should not take women's measurements and tailor their clothes, they should not cut a woman's hair or train them in the gym either -- these are some of the proposals to protect women from 'bad touch' and stymie the ill intentions of men, reported the PTI. The suggestions, which includes installing CCTVs in gyms, cloth stores and coaching centres, and having a woman for security in school buses, followed a meeting held on October 28. According to the PTI, the Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission said it has sent letters on the guidelines -- which seem to be an attempt to segregate men and women in public spaces to improve women's safety -- to all district magistrates in the state to ensure compliance on the matter. "There have been increasing complaints of 'bad touch' by male trainers in gyms and in women's boutiques where tailors who take measurements are mostly male," Babita Chauhan, chairperson of the UP women's body, told PTI. "What we are saying is that it isn't a problem if the tailor is male but only women should take measurements," Chauhan said. In a press note, the women's panel proposed that women's gyms and yoga centres should only have female trainers. The gym and the trainers should be verified, while CCTV and DVRs at the establishments should mandatorily be in working condition, it said, as per the PTI. It said boutiques should have a female tailor to take women's measurements for clothes, with a functioning CCTV at the store. Shops selling women's clothes are required to have female employees, it said. It is mandatory to have a female dance teacher at drama centres and a female security guard or teacher in school buses, the guidelines added. Babita Chauhan said, "We are aware that trained women will have to be employed at all these places and this might take some time." However, it would also help employ more women, the Uttar Pradesh women's commission chairperson added, the news agency reported on Friday. Meanwhile, Himani Agarwal, a member of the commission, said that the proposal floated by Babita Chauhan on October 28 was accepted by the panel. Explaining the rationale behind the proposal, Himani Agarwal said that the involvement of men in such professions can lead to women getting molested. "They (men) try to indulge in bad touch." "The intention of some of the men is also not good," she said, before adding, "not that all men have bad intentions", as per the PTI. Himani Agarwal added that it is just a proposal as of now and the women's commission will subsequently request the state government to make laws on it. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with Samajwadi Party MLA Ragini Sonkar saying it should be left to individuals to decide which store or gym they want to go to. "I don't think this is a justified decision as it should be an individual choice on whether one prefers a male or a female to attend to them. It is a matter of choice," said the MLA from Machhlishahr in Jaunpur district, the PTI reported. "We are okay with the proposal about women's presence being mandatory at shops selling women's garments and at tailoring shops. But then, ultimately, it boils down to individual choice and this can't be limited to a particular sex," Sonkar said. According to the PTI, social workers Veena Sharma and Mohsina Choudhary welcomed the proposal, saying there are many complaints of women being harassed while giving measurements at tailor shops. They said that the proposal should be law. Veena Sharma is the Muzaffarnagar district coordinator of Mission Shakti -- a government women empowerment initiative, while Choudhary was earlier a member of the Child Welfare Board in the district, the PTI reported. Head of Kiran Sewa Samaj Uthan committee Ravita Dhagne in Muzaffarnagar also agreed with them. Supriya Kohli, who runs a boutique at Lucknow's Prag Narain Road, said, "Usually there aren't any objections on the issue of who is taking measurements but we do have women to take measurements if the client demands it. There is nothing wrong with the move," the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
08 November,2024 06:05 PM IST | Lucknow | mid-day online correspondentThe Madras High Court (HC) on Friday dismissed a petition challenging spiritual leader Sadhguru’s Padma Vibhushan award. The court deemed the petition "frivolous" and said the petitioner had "personal agenda" instead of any "genuine public concern" for filing the case. The Additional Solicitor General, who represented the Union of India in the case, confirmed that Sadhguru’s award was conferred after due process and in recognition of his "impactful contributions" to society. On October 18, the Supreme Court (SC) had Friday dismissed the habeas corpus petition filed by a father who claimed that his two daughters were being held as captives and brainwashed in the Isha Yoga Centre, run by spiritual leader Sadhguru. The apex court bench, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, dismissed the case after hearing the statements of the two daughters, aged 39 and 42 years, who claimed that they had been living voluntarily in the ashram and are free to leave its premises according to their wish. The bench said that no further directions in the habeas corpus were needed, and the case should be closed. "As both of them are adults and the purpose of habeas corpus was fulfilled, no further directions were needed from the High Court," said SC. Earlier, the apex court had transferred the habeas corpus petition from the Madras HC to itself. The police had to restrain from taking any further actions against the Isha Yoga Centre at Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore in keeping with the directions given by the Madras High Court. The foundation had moved to the apex court challenging the order of the Madras HC which instructed the police to investigate the inside of the ashram in a habeas corpus petition. On Friday, Isha Foundation, which is run by the spiritual leader, released a statement on both the cases. The foundation said, "This ruling sends a strong message against the misuse of legal avenues by individuals who seek to discredit the Isha Foundation. Such baseless allegations only aim to undermine the work that Isha Foundation and Sadhguru have tirelessly committed to for the benefit of humanity. It is crucial to recognise these cases for what they are: attempts by those with vested interests to disrupt the Foundation’s meaningful impact." (With agency inputs)
08 November,2024 05:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday announced that India is set to grow its current USD 3.5 trillion economy to an impressive USD 35 trillion over the next 25 years, news agency PTI reported. Speaking at the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024, Goyal emphasised that the 21st century is poised to be India's century, predicting that the nation will emerge as the third-largest economy in just three years. The summit, organised by the Vibrant Goa Foundation, also featured remarks from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu amongst others. Goyal quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "21st century is India's century, the 21st century has stopped being small. What we do today is the best and the biggest." "We are working with a focused approach to make India a developed and prosperous nation by 2047 when we celebrate 100 years of Independence," he said. Goyal said India's growth story will take the economy from USD 3.5 trillion to USD 35 trillion in the next 25 years. "This 10-fold growth is due to India's strong economic fundamentals. We are the fastest-growing economy. Low inflation, strong foreign exchange reserves and a welcoming environment for the investors have brought twice the FDI to India in the last 10 years compared to the earlier decade," said the Commerce Minister. He also said that India moved from the “fragile five” economy in 2014, when the BJP-led NDA came to power at the Centre, stated PTI. Reflecting on the country's journey since 2014, Goyal remarked, "We were the 10th largest GDP in 2014, and there was very little hope, very low ambition and aspiration amongst the people of India. I am happy to share with you that under PM Modi's leadership, India has moved to the fifth largest economy in the world, from the fragile five to a powerful force. In the next three years, we will become the world's third-largest economy." Goyal further emphasised that India is now recognised as a trustworthy player in global supply chains, with a focus on improving the ease of doing business and reducing compliance burdens and decriminalisation of several laws which were not business-friendly. "India today is seen as a trusted and reliable partner in a global supply chain," he said. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed Goa's commitment to contributing to PM Modi's vision. Sawant stated, "Today, we are here to unveil the new Goa, which is ready to embark on the future as a vibrant investment destination. We are moving beyond tourism to make the state a thriving hub of emerging industries that will highlight Goa on a global map." Suresh Prabhu, former Union Minister, reiterated India's growing reputation as one of the least risky countries for investment under Modi's leadership. The three-day Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 will feature a variety of knowledge sessions, business-to-business meetings, and other initiatives aimed at attracting investment to Goa. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 04:53 PM IST | Panaji, Goa | mid-day online correspondentIn response to the recent tragic deaths of ten elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR), the Madhya Pradesh forest department has announced plans to employ satellite collars to monitor the movements of wild tuskers, according to PTI. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the state to safeguard its elephant population, following a series of fatalities last month. According to PTI, the Madhya Pradesh government has introduced a number of measures in light of these incidents. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav previously stated that forest department officials from Madhya Pradesh would be sent to other states with substantial elephant populations for training. This approach is intended to enhance local officials' understanding of elephant management, conservation, and rescue operations. The series of elephant deaths occurred between late October and early November. As per PTI, four wild elephants were discovered dead on October 29 in the Sankhani and Bakeli areas within the Khalil range of BTR in Umaria district. Another four deaths followed on October 30, with two more elephants found dead on October 31. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) for Madhya Pradesh, L. Krishnamoorthy, spoke with PTI regarding the forest department's plans. "We have requested two satellite collars from Tamil Nadu, which should arrive in Madhya Pradesh this week. We will begin by placing them on two elephants in Bandhavgarh," he explained. The department aims to eventually track all 150 wild elephants across the state, according to Krishnamoorthy. Krishnamoorthy has been appointed as the head of a newly formed nine-member elephant advisory committee. This committee, established two days ago, will oversee the management of the state's elephants, particularly concerning their rescue and rehabilitation. According to PTI, the advisory committee will provide guidance on how to mitigate human-elephant conflicts, ensure the welfare of elephants, and work on conservation strategies. The investigation into the causes of the elephant deaths revealed traces of neurotoxin cyclopiazonic acid in the animals' visceras, PTI reports. However, authorities have clarified that this was not a case of deliberate poisoning. Instead, the toxicity was likely caused by the elephants' consumption of large quantities of Kodo millet plants, which are believed to have contained high levels of this particular toxin, according to the forest department's findings. Following the probe team's findings, the chief minister ordered the suspension of two senior officials from the reserve for alleged lapses in monitoring and management. These suspensions highlight the state’s commitment to holding officials accountable and ensuring better oversight of the wildlife reserve. The use of satellite collars on elephants is anticipated to provide more precise data on their movements, helping authorities to respond quickly if elephants venture into potentially dangerous areas. According to PTI, such tracking technology is hoped to enhance safety for both the elephants and local communities by facilitating more proactive management of elephant movements. The adoption of satellite tracking for elephants in Madhya Pradesh aligns with global conservation practices, where similar measures have been successfully implemented to protect and monitor endangered species in various parts of the world. This new approach reflects the state’s commitment to advancing its wildlife conservation methods, ensuring that future incidents are minimised. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 01:41 PM IST | Bhopal | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat, reported news agency PTI. Addressing his first rally in the state for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, PM Modi said only the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will ensure speedy development of Maharashtra. "You all know my affinity with Maharashtra," PM Modi said. "We consider people as another form of god, but some people are in politics to loot people," PM Modi said, addressing the rally in north Maharashtra's Dhule district, reported PTI. PM Modi said that whenever he has asked for something from the people of Maharashtra, they have given him their blessings wholeheartedly. "I assure you that the pace at which Maharashtra's development has gained in the last two-and-a-half years will not be allowed to stop," PM Modi said, reported PTI. The prime minister said that only the BJP-led Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs. The Congress was in power simultaneously at the Centre and in Maharashtra but never felt the need for Marathi to be given the status of classical language, PM Modi said. "A dangerous game of pitting one caste against another is being played by the Congress as that party can never see Dalits, backward classes and tribals progressing," PM Modi said, reported PTI. PM Modi to address 9 rallies in state in a week Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a total of nine rallies in Maharashtra in a week as part of the BJP's poll campaign for the state assembly polls, the party said. In a statement issued on Thursday, the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the PM will also hold a roadshow in Pune on November 12. Modi's first rally will be held in Dhule in north Maharashtra at 12 noon on Friday. He will then address a public meeting in Nashik at 2 pm, it said. On November 9, he will campaign in Akola at 12 noon and in Nanded at 2 pm, it added. On November 12, Modi will address rallies in Chimur (Chandrapur district) and Solapur, and participate in a roadshow in Pune in the evening. Modi will then address rallies on November 14 at three places in the state - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Raigad and Mumbai. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 to the 288-member state legislative assembly will be held on November 20 and the votes will be counted three days later. The BJP is contesting the elections as part of the Mahayuti alliance which also comprises Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) of Sharad Pawar and Congress is fighting the polls against the Mahayuti. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 01:36 PM IST | Dhule | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Friday junked a PIL seeking a CBI probe into alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus under the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime, reported news agency PTI. A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan dismissed the plea filed by one K A Paul, a social activist and president of organisation 'Global Peace Initiative'. "Going by your prayer, we will have to create separate states for all temples, gurudwaras etc. We can't direct that a separate state be created for a particular. Dismissed," the bench said, reported PTI. In his plea, Paul had sought seeking a "comprehensive investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the allegations of corruption and mismanagement surrounding the procurement and preparation of the Laddu Prasadam", reported PTI. The top court on October 4 had set up a five-member independent SIT to probe the allegations of animal fat used in preparing Tirupati laddus to "assuage the feelings of crores of people" while making clear that the court cannot be used as a "political battleground", reported PTI. It had directed that the independent SIT will comprise two officers each from the CBI and the Andhra Pradesh Police besides a senior official of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Paul, in his PIL, said allegations in the Tirupati laddus row levelled by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that substandard ingredients were used in the preparation of 'Laddu Prasadam', including adulterated ghee, have raised serious concerns among devotees and tarnished the sanctity of this sacred offering, reported PTI. The petition on the Tirupati laddus row underscored the growing communal tensions and the violation of fundamental religious rights, citing Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to practice and propagate religion. "The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is one of the biggest sites for Hindus around the world. The Laddu Prasadam holds immense religious and cultural significance for all Hindus. Any compromise on its sanctity not only affects millions of devotees but also tarnishes the reputation of this institution. I have filed this petition in the interest of the devotees and to ensure that political manipulation and corruption do not undermine our sacred traditions," Paul said, reported PTI. The chief minister had claimed that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus under the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the state, triggering a massive political row. The YSR Congress Party accused Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains and the ruling Telugu Desam Party in the state circulating a laboratory report to back its claim. (With inputs from PTI)
08 November,2024 01:24 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court of India, in a 4:3 majority decision, overruled the 1967 verdict in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case, which had ruled that since Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a central university, it could not be considered a minority institution, according to ANI. The majority opinion stated that the issue of AMU's minority status should be decided by a regular three-judge bench, as per ANI. The bench noted that the key factor in determining whether an institution qualifies as a minority institution is to identify who established the institution. It further clarified that the administration of an institution by non-minority members would not strip the institution of its minority character. The verdict also affirmed that while the government has the right to regulate minority educational institutions, it must ensure that such regulation does not infringe on the institution's minority status. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) authored the majority opinion, which was supported by Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JD Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra. The dissenting opinion came from Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Satish Chandra Sharma, according to ANI. This decision arose from a reference to a 2006 ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which held that AMU was not a minority institution, according to ANI. In 1967, a five-judge bench had ruled in the S Azeez Basha case that AMU, being a central university, could not be considered a minority institution. However, the university regained its minority status when the Indian Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981. The 1981 amendment was challenged in 2006 when the Allahabad High Court struck down the provision that accorded AMU its minority status. The Congress-led UPA government at the time appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court's decision. In addition, AMU filed a separate petition. In 2016, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government decided to withdraw the appeal made by the UPA government, according to ANI. In February 2019, the top court referred the case to a seven-judge bench. During the hearings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that there was no concept of minority or minority rights when the AMU Act was established in 1920. The government contended that conferring minority status on an institution of national importance would exclude sections of society and hinder access to reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (SEBC), according to ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 01:21 PM IST | New DelhiTensions have intensified in Jammu and Kashmir following the recent killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Kishtwar. Residents took to the streets on Friday, demanding that the government take firm action to curb militancy in the region, according to ANI. The locals gathered to protest, chanting slogans and paying tribute to Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, the two VDGs who lost their lives. One of the protestors informed ANI that a "chakka jam" (road blockade) would take place in Kishtwar, adding, “There will be closures today in memory of the two martyred VDGs. We demand from the home minister that strict action is taken to eliminate militancy in the area. Security forces should be equipped with adequate weapons to handle the militants effectively.” The protesters also criticised the local administration, highlighting what they see as lapses in security measures. One protester expressed frustration, stating, “Despite having intelligence inputs for a while, no action was taken, which ultimately led to the tragic martyrdom of these VDGs. This failure lies with the administration,” according to ANI. In the wake of these incidents, Village Defence Guards in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district have been put on high alert. One of the VDG members explained their role in securing the area, telling ANI, “These weapons have been issued to us to protect our country. Whenever needed, we will respond, alongside the police and the army. The police and other security forces coordinate with us whenever necessary.” According to ANI, VDGs act as a frontline security measure against potential militant threats in the region. Operating on a 24-hour basis, these civilian-led groups work closely with the Indian Army, local police, and paramilitary forces, forming a coordinated security network that is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Another VDG member emphasised the group’s morale and willingness to sacrifice, stating, “We have the determination, and we are ready to lay down our lives for the nation. However, it is unfortunate that there is unrest in various areas,” as reported by ANI. VDGs patrol the region daily in teams, monitoring for any signs of militant activity and conducting fearless patrols. They are regularly trained and guided by security agencies to ensure they can respond swiftly and efficiently to any potential threats. According to ANI, this rigorous preparation, combined with their local expertise, makes the VDGs an invaluable asset in India’s broader border security strategy. For decades, these Village Defence Guards have played a crucial role in anti-militancy operations, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication in protecting their communities. Their continued vigilance not only bolsters India’s security framework but also fosters a sense of peace and stability across sensitive areas such as Nowshera. Their actions are a testament to the united commitment towards national security, as per ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
08 November,2024 01:00 PM IST | SrinagarADVERTISEMENT
