Name: Bihar hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 71 in Chhapra, 8 more deaths reported from two other districts
Uploaded: 2022-12-17T20:01:11.000+05:30
Duration: T00M37S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016. However, the smuggling of liquor continues unabated in the state, notwithstanding the ongoing drive against bootleggers.

Air India Flight AI-126 returned to Chicago due to lavatory blockages caused by improper waste disposal, affecting 300 passengers, sparking discussions on improving passenger education and lavatory systems.

Air India Flight Returns Due to Lavatory Block

Air India Flight AI-126 made a return to Chicago owing to lavatory blockages over Greenland. Images revealed improper disposal like cloth and plastic waste. The incident prompts a need for better passenger education on waste management.

Improper lavatory waste disposal forced Air India Flight AI-126 to return to Chicago. Blockages caused discomfort for 300 passengers, prompting discussions on enhancing passenger education and system improvements.

A Boeing 777-300ER jetliner, operating as Air India Flight AI-126, was compelled to return to Chicago on March 5 after experiencing a breakdown in the majority of its lavatories.
The incident, which occurred while the aircraft was flying over Greenland, affected the comforts of its 300 passengers.
Images accessed by NDTV provide evidence of the nature of the blockage. One photograph reveals a large cloth being extracted from a tube connected to the plane&rsquo;s lavatory system.
Another image highlights the improper disposal of plastic waste flushed down a toilet. Additionally, two unrelated images from separate Air India flights over the last fortnight illustrate similar issues, with one showing a blanket and another an article of clothing obstructing plumbing tubes.
The flight, after five hours airborne, was forced to make a U-turn back to Chicago to address the extensive lavatory failure.
Air India confirmed, in an official statement, that upon arrival in Chicago, all passengers and crew disembarked without issue and were provided with accommodations to alleviate their inconvenience.
This incident underscores the criticality of adhering to in-flight waste disposal rules and has sparked discussions on better passenger education and potential improvements in airplane lavatory systems to prevent such occurrences in the future.

West Bengal Assembly chaos sparked by BJP MLA mic shutdown, leading to protests, MLA suspensions, and walkouts under Speaker's alleged bias.

BJP Clash with Speaker in West Bengal Assembly

The West Bengal Assembly saw chaos as BJP MLAs clashed with the Speaker over mic shutdowns and suspensions, leading to a dramatic walkout amidst protests.

Chaos erupted in the West Bengal Assembly over BJP MLA microphone shutdown. Disruptions by BJP MLAs led to suspensions and walkouts as Speaker accused of bias.

The West Bengal Assembly witnessed chaos on Monday as opposition BJP MLAs protested the Speaker's decision to switch off the microphone of one of their colleagues, prompting Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay to suspend BJP MLA Dipak Barman for the rest of the session and order marshals to evict two saffron party legislators from the House.
The BJP MLAs later staged a walkout in protest against the "biased approach" of the Speaker.
The developments began when BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee, during the discussion on the budget, raised concerns about the functioning of the West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC).
He questioned why the commission had not received a single public complaint since 2011 when the Trinamool Congress government came to power in the state.
Mr Chatterjee further alleged that the commission did not have the statutory authority to handle complaints, citing a recent note from the chief secretary to the chief minister.
He wondered about the relevance of the commission in such circumstances.
As the BJP legislator continued, Speaker Bandopadhyay reminded him that his comments were unrelated to the budget debate and asked him to stop.
Mr Chatterjee, however, insisted on his right to speak on behalf of the people, leading to a heated exchange of words between the two.
The Speaker reminded him of his authority and attempted to restrict his speech, but as Mr Chatterjee continued speaking, Bandopadhyay switched off his microphone, triggering an outcry from BJP MLAs who accused him of suppressing opposition voices.
The Speaker then ordered the expunging of Mr Chatterjee's comments, stating that they violated the legislative decorum.
In response, BJP MLAs Shankar Ghosh and Manoj Oraon began shouting slogans.
Despite repeated warnings from the Speaker, they continued their protest, which led to marshalls being called to remove them from the House.
As the disruption continued, BJP MLAs, led by Chief Whip Shankar Ghosh, tore up and threw papers in the House in protest.
In response, Speaker Bandopadhyay announced the suspension of MLA Dipak Barman for the remainder of the session.
The entire BJP contingent then staged a walkout in protest against what they called the "biased" actions of the Speaker.
Later, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari condemned the Speaker's actions, accusing him of "goondaism" and charging the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) with stifling dissent.
Adhikari claimed the marshals had acted under the influence of the TMC.
In contrast, TMC legislators defended the Speaker's decision, stating that the BJP was trying to disrupt the legislative proceedings.
They argued that the Speaker's actions were necessary to maintain order and discipline in the House.
TMC lawmaker Chandrima Bhattacharya, while responding later, criticized the BJP for raising questions about the effectiveness of state welfare schemes like Kanyashree and the budget allocation but leaving the House when the minister rose to respond.
She accused the BJP of trying to create unnecessary disruptions rather than engage in constructive dialogue.
The session concluded with the BJP lawmakers walking out, leaving the Speaker to declare that the behaviour of the opposition party was unbecoming of a democratic institution.

A fire in Jharkhand's Garhwa district claimed five lives at a firecracker shop. The incident is under investigation, with state leaders expressing condolences. Authorities focus on safety and regulatory compliance.

Tragedy Strikes Jharkhand: Fire Kills Five

In Garhwa, Jharkhand, a fire at a firecracker shop killed five, including children. The cause is under investigation. State leaders sent condolences, stressing safety and regulatory compliance to prevent future tragedies.

A fire at a firecracker shop in Jharkhand&rsquo;s Garhwa district killed five, including three children. Investigation is on to find the cause. State leaders conveyed condolences, promising thorough inquiries.

At least five persons, including three children, were burnt to death after a fire broke out at a firecracker shop in Jharkhand's Garhwa on Monday, a police officer said.
The incident occurred at Godarmana Bazar in Ranka police station area.
"Five persons were killed after a blaze erupted at a firecracker shop here. Of these, three are children. We are investigating the incident," Garhwa SP Deepak Pandey told PTI.
Ranka SDPO Rohit Ranjan Singh said the fire broke out around 12.30 pm, while crackers were being sold on a wooden platform in the shop.
"We took the injured to a nearby hospital in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, where doctors declared them dead," Singh said.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been ascertained, he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.
"Received the sad news about the death of five people due to a fire that broke out at a firecracker shop in Ranka block of Garhwa. May 'Marang Buru' (supreme tribal deity) grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved family members to bear this loss," Soren posted on X.
He said the case is being investigated by the district administration.
"The incident of fire at a firecracker shop in Godarmana under Ranka police station area of Garhwa district and the deaths are heart-wrenching. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Gangwar said in another post on X.

Raids by ED in Chhattisgarh uncover a Rs 2,161 crore liquor scam involving ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel, amidst claims of political motives.

ED Raids Uncover Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam

The ED's investigation into a Rs 2,161 crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh involves former CM Bhupesh Baghel, amid political controversy.

ED raids multiple locations in Chhattisgarh for a Rs 2,161 crore liquor scam involving former CM Bhupesh Baghel.

On Monday, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted searches at 14 locations in Chhattisgarh&rsquo;s Durg district as part of investigations into an alleged liquor scam.
Notable sites included the residences of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son, Chaitanya Baghel.
The ED's operation also extended to close associates of Chaitanya Baghel, with sources indicating that he allegedly received illicit funds linked to the scam. Searches were also conducted at the premises of Laxmi Narayan Bansal.
The liquor scam reportedly involves the diversion of Rs 2,161 crore through various fraudulent schemes between 2019 and 2023, during the tenure of Chhattisgarh&rsquo;s previous Congress government.
As the searches commenced, Bhupesh Baghel&rsquo;s official handle on the social media platform X released a statement suggesting that the raids were politically motivated. The statement alleged a conspiracy aimed at thwarting Baghel&rsquo;s political activities in Punjab, where he now serves as the Congress General Secretary.
The statement emphasized Baghel&rsquo;s ongoing commitment to Punjab, despite alleged efforts to impede the Congress party's operations there. Baghel has made multiple visits to Punjab, holding meetings with local leaders to bolster preparations for the upcoming state elections.
The ED initiated its investigation last year with the filing of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against the alleged mastermind, Anwar Dhebar, the brother of Raipur&rsquo;s mayor, Aijaz Dhebar. Other key figures included in the report are retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja and ITS officer Arun Pati Tripathi, both implicated in operations supplying unaccounted liquor to state-run outlets, resulting in significant financial losses to the government.
Earlier this year, former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma was arrested by the ED for his purported involvement in the scam. Allegations state that Lakhma received Rs 72 crore, part of which was used to fund a Congress office and a personal residence for his son.
The investigation underscores ongoing scrutiny and legal proceedings related to one of Chhattisgarh&rsquo;s major financial scandals, with potential political ramifications amid upcoming election preparations.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao claims verbal abuse by authorities amid gold smuggling charges. Bail hearing upcoming.

Ranya Rao Faces Allegations in Custody Clash

Kannada star Ranya Rao, involved in a gold smuggling case, alleges verbal mistreatment by DRI. Her bail hearing approaches amid contrasting claims.

Kannada star Ranya Rao, accused of gold smuggling, claims verbal abuse in custody. DRI counters with CCTV evidence.

In a high-profile case that has gripped Karnataka, Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, apprehended last week for allegedly smuggling gold bars valued at Rs 14.56 crore, has claimed she faced verbal harassment and received threats while in the custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
Appearing before a special court in Bengaluru, Rao refuted allegations of physical mistreatment but expressed her ordeal, stating, "I was verbally tortured and threatened. I am traumatised and emotionally broken," before breaking into tears.
The DRI has countered these allegations, asserting that all procedures, including Rao's arrest and interrogation, were documented via CCTV footage.
This controversy arose amid growing speculation that Rao was assaulted post-arrest, fueled by widely shared images depicting her with swollen eyes and facial bruising.
Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women, has indicated that any investigation into potential physical assault on Rao requires a formal complaint to be lodged first.
Currently, the actress has been remanded to judicial custody until March 24, with a bail application hearing slated for Tuesday.
Ranya, the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, was intercepted at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on March 3. She was reportedly carrying 14.2 kg of gold upon arrival from Dubai, raising red flags after four trips to Dubai in just 15 days, and a total of 27 journeys over the past year.
According to insiders, Rao allegedly smuggled gold by wearing parts of it and concealing the remainder within her attire. Subsequent searches at her residence uncovered gold jewelry valued over Rs 2 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
In a purportedly leaked statement, Rao divulged details of her international travels, which reportedly included numerous locations across the Middle East and Western nations, confessing to possessing 17 gold bars during her arrest.
Besides Rao, authorities have detained two associates, T Raj and Tarun Kondaraju, in connection with this case.
Denouncing the allegations against her, IPS officer Ramachandra Rao expressed shock over his stepdaughter's arrest. In a statement dated March 5, he claimed a blemish-free career history and affirmed a lack of contact with his stepdaughter since her marriage four months ago. Rao also denied any knowledge of Ranya&rsquo;s and her husband Jatin Hukkeri&rsquo;s alleged business activities.

Additional sessions judge Chander Jit Singh dismissed the plea and posted the order on Rashid's regular bail plea on March 19.

Delhi Court Denies Parole for Kashmir MP Rashid

Additional sessions judge Chander Jit Singh dismissed the plea and posted the order on Rashid's regular bail plea on March 19.

A Delhi court on Monday rejected the plea of jailed Jammu and Kashmir MP Engineer Rashid seeking custody parole to attend the Parliament session.
Additional sessions judge Chander Jit Singh dismissed the plea and posted the order on Rashid's regular bail plea on March 19.
A detailed order is awaited.
On March 3, the court asked the NIA to respond to the plea, following which it reserved its verdict after hearing the arguments.
The application, filed by advocate Vikhyat Oberoi for Rashid on February 27, sought the relief on the grounds that Rashid was a parliamentarian and needed to attend the upcoming session to fulfil his public duty.
Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, defeated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Baramulla.
Rashid's regular bail application is currently pending before the court.
The second part of Parliament's Budget session would begin on March 10 and end on April 4.
The judge on September 10 granted interim bail to Rashid to enable him to campaign for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Rashid surrendered himself before Tihar Jail on October 27.
Rashid has been lodged in Tihar jail since 2019 after he was arrested by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a 2017 terror funding case.
Elections to the 90-member J-K assembly were held in three phases from September 18 to October 1. The results were declared on October 8 in which the National Conference-Congress alliance attained a clear majority with 48 seats.
The Delhi High Court on February 24 directed the sessions judge to expeditiously decide the bail plea of Rashid in the case.
The high court passed the directions in view of a December 24, 2024 order, by which the sessions court requested the district judge to transfer the case to a court designated to try lawmakers.
Rashid's name cropped up during the investigation of Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali, who was arrested by the NIA for allegedly funding terrorist groups and separatists in the Kashmir Valley.
The NIA filed a chargesheet against several persons, including Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, in the case.
Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in 2022 after he pleaded guilty to the charges.&nbsp;

The Income Tax Bill 2025 maintains existing powers for digital access during search operations without expanding them, protecting taxpayer privacy.

Income Tax Bill 2025: Digital Access Clarified

Officials confirm the Income Tax Bill 2025 maintains existing parameters for digital access in tax operations, ensuring privacy protection.

The Income Tax Bill 2025 reaffirms existing digital access measures for search operations, maintaining taxpayer privacy.

The new Income Tax Bill prescribes the existing process for tax authorities to gain access to the digital space or a computer device only during search and survey operations, and it is not aimed to breach the online privacy of common taxpayers even if their case lands into scrutiny, a top I-T department official said Monday.
The powers for such a coercive action "already existed" in the 1961 Act, and these have only been reiterated in the Income Tax Bill of 2025, he said.
The official rejected claims made in some reports and opinion pieces that the tax authorities have been granted "additional" powers to breach the passwords of electronic records, including email, social media handles and Cloud storage space of the taxpayers.
"Such reports are nothing but fear mongering. The tax department is not into snooping of social media accounts or online activities of a taxpayer.
"These powers are only to be executed during the course of a search or survey operation, and that too when the assessee being searched or surveyed refuses to share the passwords for digital storage drives, emails, Clouds and communication platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, etc.," the officer told PTI.
Section 247 of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which is before Parliament at present, prescribes an authorised officer to gain access by "over-riding" the access code of computer system or 'virtual digital space'.
The government has brought the new Bill in order to change the decades-old I-T Act of 1961 with an aim to make the bulky direct tax law simpler and easier for the taxpayers.
Under the existing law, Section 132 enables an authorised officer to require any person who is found in possession of books, accounts or other documents in the form of electronic record to afford facility to inspect such documents and also to seize such document (including electronic record as per Section 2(22AA) of Income Tax Act, 1961).
"Tax crimes and the methods of tax evasion have attained a new level of sophistication with the advent of smart Internet-based tools and technology," the official said.
Gaining access to digital devices and spaces during coercive actions like search and survey is vital to find evidence and these raids are limited when you see the data," a second official said.
The tax department conducts about 100-150 "full blown" searches and surveys in a financial year, and this enforcement action is not aimed towards the common taxpaying individual or entity.
Also, out of the about 8.79 crore income-tax returns (ITRs) filed annually, only about 1 per cent are selected for scrutiny, the official said.
"The provisions related to 'virtual digital space' are not applicable even to these cases under scrutiny. It is applied only during the process of a search or survey and not even before this action is mounted.
"The tax department does not snoop or make a back door entry against any individual or entity through their social media accounts," the first official said.
As per officials in the tax department, gathering evidence from digital accounts is not only "essential" to prove tax evasion before a court of law, but also for computing the exact amount of tax evaded.
During search and seizure operations, it has been found in some cases that the person in control of books, documents and records, etc., does not cooperate with the proceedings or provide necessary facilities to access the evidence.
In this digital and e-enabled world, information is stored in servers and storage facilities abroad, which are not accessible from India and the access code is not provided by the person concerned.
In such circumstances, the entire exercise of search and seizure gets redundant and can result in the tax evader going scot-free, officials said.

Disruptions in Lok Sabha over TN's PM SHRI scheme stance. DMK protests minister's remarks. Pradhan clarifies, urging dialogue on educational policies.

Lok Sabha Disrupted Over TN PM SHRI Stance

Lok Sabha adjourned due to protests over TN's stance on the PM SHRI scheme. Minister Pradhan accuses DMK of dishonesty. Ongoing dialogue is encouraged.

Lok Sabha disrupted over Tamil Nadu's stance on PM SHRI scheme as DMK protests against alleged dishonesty remarks by Education Minister Pradhan.

Lok Sabha proceedings were on Monday adjourned for about 30 minutes after DMK members protested over Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's remarks that the Tamil Nadu government was "dishonest" on the issue of implementing the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme.
Replying to a question on the PM SHRI scheme, Pradhan said the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has changed its stand on implementing the centrally-sponsored scheme which envisaged strengthening the schools managed by central, state or local bodies.
The state concerned has to sign an MoU with the central government that it would implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and in return the central government provides the fund.
"The Tamil Nadu government had initially agreed to sign the MoU. But now they have changed the stand. Many non-BJP-ruled states, including Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, have signed the agreement," he said.
Pradhan said: "They are dishonest and they are ruining the future of the students of Tamil Nadu. They are doing politics".
The minister said at one point of time, the government of Tamil Nadu had agreed to the PM SHRI scheme and several (DMK) MPs, who came to see him, conveyed this to him.
"But when they went back, they made a U-Turn. They are doing mischief with the life of the students. They are misleading the people and doing injustice to students of Tamil Nadu. They are undemocratic...," he alleged.
Pradhan said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had also agreed initially "but suddenly some super CM appeared and they took a U-Turn. They just want to do politics".
"Today is March 10. We have still 20 days left in the month of March," he said, indicating the time left for the Tamil Nadu government to sign the MoU on PM SHRI.
Taking strong exception to the minister's remarks, the DMK members registered strong protests by raising slogans against the central government.
Speaker Om Birla asked the agitating members to return to their seats and allow the House to function normally.
Birla said he has given the opposition members opportunity to pose questions and subsequently the minister has replied. "But now you are doing this (protests). This is not good. You are setting wrong precedent. Don't violate the Parliamentary procedures," he said.
However, the DMK members ignored his pleas and continued their protests.
After sometime, Birla adjourned the House till 12 noon.
When the House reassembled at 12 noon, DMK member Kanimozhi told the House that she was "very pained and hurt" by a particular word used by the minister.
She also said that she and other DMK MPs, along with the Tamil Nadu Education Minister, had met Pradhan to request him to release funds to the state under education schemes.
"We have clearly said that we have issues with the NEP and we cannot accept it in full. We said that three language formula is not acceptable to Tamil Nadu.
"The truth is that the chief minister of Tamil Nadu had written to the minister as well as the Prime Minister saying that we have issues with NEP and cannot accept it in total. He had also requested to release the funds," she said, adding "the MPs of Tamil Nadu have never accepted the NEP".
Responding to Kanimozhi, Pradhan said, "My esteemed colleague, one of my dearest sisters and senior member honourable Kanimozhi has raised two points. In one point she has said that I have used a word which I should not have been used for the members from Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu government and people of Tamil Nadu".
"Lets don't mix it. Let me withdraw it. I withdraw my word if it has hurt anyone. I have no issues on that," he said.
Pradhan said the MPs have met him on several occasions and the education minister of Tamil Nadu was also part of the delegation, which was in a good spirit that something (solution) should come up.
"I was also open. We have agreed on certain things. They went back and mentioned this to the chief minister who has also given his consent to go ahead. Later, they told me informally that certain issues have come up. This is unfortunate," he said.
The minister said since today is March 10, there is time and the Tamil Nadu government can come back on what issues they have agreed to and the central government would respond to that.
"We have no issues with the non-BJP ruled states -- Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab," he said.
After Pradhan's comments, the Speaker said since the minister withdrew the word that he had used, he (Birla) too has directed to expunge the word from the records.
Last month, Stalin had said he was firm on his stance of not implementing the NEP in Tamil Nadu even if the Centre offered to provide Rs 10,000 crore to the state.
The chief minister said the opposition to the NEP is not merely over the "imposition of Hindi" but there are several other factors that would have serious consequences on the future of students and the social justice system.
The total cost of the PM SHRI scheme will be Rs 27,360 crore spread over a period of five years which includes central share of Rs 18,128 crore.
A total of 12,079 schools have been selected from 32 states and UTs of which 1,329 schools are primary, 3,340 schools are elementary, 2,921 schools are secondary and 4,489 schools are senior secondary.

A controversial fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramadan has sparked widespread backlash, drawing criticism from political and religious leaders and raising cultural concerns.

Controversial Gulmarg Fashion Show During Ramadan

The fashion show in Gulmarg, held during Ramadan, faces criticism for cultural insensitivity. Leaders demand accountability, questioning the appropriateness of such events during holy months.

A fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramadan sparked backlash due to disregard for local cultural sensitivities, drawing criticism from political and religious leaders.

A recent fashion show held in the renowned ski resort of Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, during the fasting month of Ramadan has come under intense scrutiny.
The event has been criticized for featuring models in revealing outfits, sparking widespread outrage from both political and religious figures.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his understanding of the public's reaction, acknowledging the deep shock and anger felt by locals. He has promptly requested a detailed report on the incident within 24 hours and assured that appropriate action will be taken. "The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities, especially during this holy month," Mr. Abdullah commented, emphasizing the need for cultural respect.
Senior cleric and chairman of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also voiced strong disapproval. Describing the event as "outrageous," he stated that such acts in the name of promoting tourism are unacceptable in the region known for its Sufi heritage and religious traditions.
Farooq called for accountability for those involved, emphasizing that the cultural and moral fabric of the region must be preserved. The controversy was further fueled by social media, where images of the models circulated widely, leading to public condemnation.
Raja Muzaffar Bhat, a well-known social activist, criticized the event as an assault on the region's values. "Who permitted this fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramadan? This act of men and women in scanty clothing walking on snow raises serious cultural concerns," he asserted in a post, questioning the roles of the Tourism Department and the Gulmarg Development Authority.
In response to the backlash, Omar Abdullah's office is coordinating with local authorities to address the issue, highlighting the importance of maintaining the cultural integrity of Jammu and Kashmir during significant religious periods.

To ensure peaceful Holi celebrations, Punjab Police conducted a large-scale cordon and search operation at 262 bus stands, deploying over 3,000 personnel.

Punjab Police conducts search operation at 262 bus stands across state

To ensure peaceful Holi celebrations, Punjab Police conducted a large-scale cordon and search operation at 262 bus stands, deploying over 3,000 personnel.

To ensure a peaceful Holi celebration, as per the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police conducted a large-scale cordon and search operation (CASO) on Sunday at 262 bus stands across the state.
The operation was executed under the instructions of Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and covered all 28 police districts.
Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, who personally supervised the operation, stated that all Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) were directed to deploy a strong police presence under the leadership of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to ensure its success.
Providing details of the operation, Special DGP Arpit Shukla said that police teams, assisted by sniffer dogs, carried out frisking of individuals arriving and departing at bus stands. &ldquo;We had strictly instructed all the police personnel to deal with every person in a friendly and polite manner while frisking them during the course of this operation,&rdquo; he added. Additionally, several suspicious individuals were rounded up for verification.
According to the Special DGP, approximately 400 police teams comprising over 3,000 personnel were deployed across the state under the supervision of 121 gazetted rank officers. Their objective was to identify suspicious individuals at various bus stands while ensuring minimal disruption to the general public.
During the operation, a total of 3,868 individuals were checked, and 175 persons were taken in for questioning. Police teams also registered two criminal cases and seized 100 grams of heroin.
In addition to frisking individuals, police teams also conducted inspections of vehicles parked in and around the bus stands. As a result, 208 vehicles were issued challans, and 14 were impounded.
Reaffirming Punjab Police&rsquo;s commitment to maintaining law and order, Special DGP Arpit Shukla emphasized that such operations would continue in the future to uphold peace and harmony in the border state.

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The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016. However, the smuggling of liquor continues unabated in the state, notwithstanding the ongoing drive against bootleggers.

Bihar hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 71 in Chhapra, 8 more deaths reported from two other districts

The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016. However, the smuggling of liquor continues unabated in the state, notwithstanding the ongoing drive against bootleggers.

Death toll in the Chhapra hooch tragedy in Bihar's Saran district has increased to 71 .
The incident was initially reported on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, eight more deaths were reported from Bihar on Saturday.
According to officials, Six people died in Siwan district and two deaths were reported from Begusarai by drinking illicitly brewed country liquor.
The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016 but the state continues to witness liquor sales on the black market.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/why-wait-till-2025-for-tejashwi-to-take-over-prashant-kishor-asks-nitish-kumar-1671284917558">'Why wait till 2025 for Tejashwi to take over', Prashant Kishor asks Nitish Kumar</a>
&nbsp;

RBI plans to extend UPI for improved cross-border payments, ensuring innovation and security. Despite growth, 40% of adults lack digital payments access.

RBI Seeks UPI Expansion in Global Payments

RBI plans to extend UPI for better cross-border transactions, focusing on innovation and strengthening payment systems while addressing digital gaps.

RBI aims to expand UPI for better cross-border transactions, emphasizing innovation and security. India's digital payments thrive, but gaps remain.

The Reserve Bank will continue to promote innovations in payment systems with soft touch regulations within regulatory guardrails and expand the reach of UPI for more efficient cross-border payments, Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Monday.
In his address at the Inauguration of Digital Payments Awareness Week 2025 here, the governor said apart from the RBI, the government and other important stakeholders like banks and payment system operators have also taken a number of initiatives to encourage the adoption of digital payments.
"While these efforts have produced results, as visible in the huge growth of digital payments, there is still a lot more to be done. Going forward, we will work on three broad areas," he said.
The areas are soft-touch regulations to continue promoting innovation, promote awareness generation, and more efficient cross-border payments.
"We will continue to encourage innovation while promoting safety and security through soft touch regulations," the RBI chief said and added that the central bank has adopted a soft-touch approach to regulating the payments ecosystem and fintechs.
With these regulations, he said the RBI attempts to balance these divergent sets of expectations.
"Our approach has been to put in place regulatory guardrails within which all stakeholders are free to operate."
While mentioning that initiatives to encourage the adoption of digital payments have produced results, Malhotra said there is still a lot more to be done.
On cross-border payments, the governor said while in domestic payments, the success of UPI has propelled India to a leadership position with a share of 48.5 per cent in global real-time payments by volume, "we will endeavour to make cross-border payments more efficient".
As per a World Bank report, it has been estimated that in 2024, India received remittances totalling approximately USD 130 billion.
"We need to address the challenges of high cost, slow speed, and insufficient access and transparency in cross border payments...We will continue to expand the reach of UPI bilaterally by linking UPI with fast payment systems of other countries," Malhotra said.
The RBI will also explore the possibility of linking payment systems other than UPI to facilitate efficient cross-border payments.
"We will continue our engagement in a multilateral project called Project Nexus to enable instant cross-border retail payments," he added.
Malhotra further said though much progress has been made in the development, spread and adoption of digital payments, there is a lot of scope to further deepen and expand digital payments in the country.
In January 2025, more than 20 billion payments worth almost Rs 250 trillion were made in India through digital modes. Digital payments have become the preferred mode of payment for many of us.
"However, surveys have shown that nearly 40 per cent of our adult population still do not use digital payments. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of awareness or familiarity with using digital payments," he said.
The 5th Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) is being observed from March 10 to 16.
DPAW is an initiative to highlight the impact and importance of digital payments and to create awareness about the safe usage of digital payment products.
Under the mission 'Har Payment Digital', the theme for the current year is 'India Pays Digitally'.
This theme reflects India's transformative journey toward a digitally empowered citizenry, with the ubiquity and convenience of digital payments, the RBI said.

CM Devendra Fadnavis advocates a lawful approach to the Aurangzeb tomb issue. BJP figures push for removal amidst ongoing historical debates.

Fadnavis Supports Legal Means for Aurangzeb Tomb

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis supports legal measures over Aurangzeb's tomb, aligning with BJP demands for its removal while maintaining heritage laws.

CM Fadnavis supports legal means regarding Aurangzeb's tomb removal, amidst BJP calls for its demolition.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed support for calls to remove the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, located in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, but emphasized the need for a lawful approach.
The tomb is currently under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a status conferred during the tenure of a previous Congress government.
Chief Minister Fadnavis remarked, "While many share the sentiment for removal, it is essential to respect the legal framework as the site is a protected heritage under ASI's jurisdiction."
The issue has gained momentum following comments by BJP's Satara MP, Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Bhosale urged for the tomb to be demolished, labeling Aurangzeb as a "thief and robber" and suggesting that those wishing to honor Aurangzeb should relocate the tomb to their homes.
Further into the controversy, BJP leader Navneet Rana has demanded the tomb's demolition, paralleling the recent renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The debate intensified after Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi's remarks praising Aurangzeb, describing him as a proficient administrator.
Azmi, who was suspended from the Maharashtra legislative assembly's budget session, claimed Aurangzeb had been misrepresented in history and highlighted India's economic status during his rule.
His comments received backlash, particularly in light of the film 'Chhaava,' portraying the persecution of Sambhaji Maharaj. Despite retracting his statement, Azmi faces legal action, with Fadnavis insisting on his imprisonment.
Aurangzeb's burial site lies in Khuldabad, approximately 25 kilometers from Aurangabad. Per his wishes, he rests near the tomb of his spiritual guide, Sufi saint Syed Zainuddin, in a modest, open-air grave.
Such simplicity contrasted with the later addition of a marble grille, installed by the Nizam of Hyderabad at the behest of Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India.

India imposes up to $986 per tonne anti-dumping duty on Trichloroisocyanuric Acid imports from China and Japan, to protect local industries for up to five years.

India Imposes Duty on Acid Imports from China, Japan

India enforces a duty up to $986/tonne on Trichloroisocyanuric Acid imports from China and Japan to safeguard its domestic industry for five years, under WTO norms.

India imposes up to $986/tonne duty on Trichloroisocyanuric Acid from China, Japan to protect local industry. Valid for five years.

India has imposed anti-dumping duty of up to USD 986 per tonne for five years on a chemical, used for water treatment, imported from China and Japan to protect the domestic industry from cheap inbound shipments, according to a finance ministry notification.
The decision follows recommendations from the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), an investigation arm of the commerce ministry, to impose the duty on &lsquo;Trichloro isocyanuric acid&rsquo;.
In its recommendations, the directorate has stated that the domestic industry has suffered material injury due to the dumped imports in India from China and Japan.
&ldquo;The anti-dumping duty imposed&hellip;shall be levied for a period of five years (unless revoked, superseded or amended earlier),&rdquo; the notification said.
Both the countries are key trading partners of India.
While DGTR conducts the alleged dumping probe and recommends the duty, the finance ministry takes the final decision to impose the same within three months of the recommendation.
Countries initiate anti-dumping probes to check if their domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in below-cost imports. As a countermeasure, they impose duties within the multilateral regime of the WTO (World Trade Organisation).
Anti-dumping measures are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. It is not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in the cost of products.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Mauritius marks a promising new phase, emphasizing cultural connections and strategic partnerships, strengthening India-Mauritius relations.

Modi Visits Mauritius: Strengthening Key Ties

Prime Minister Modi's Mauritius visit heralds a new chapter in India-Mauritius relations, emphasizing cultural and strategic partnerships.

PM Modi's visit to Mauritius marks a pivotal moment for India-Mauritius relations, focusing on strategic partnerships and cultural ties.

As he embarks on a two-day trip to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the visit will open a "new and bright" chapter in the ties between the two nations.
Modi is visiting the island nation on March 11 and 12.
"Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent. We are connected by history, geography and culture," Modi said in his departure statement.
"Deep mutual trust, a shared belief in the values of democracy, and celebration of our diversity are our strengths," he said.
The prime minister said the close and historical people-to-people connect between the two sides is a source of shared pride. "We have made significant strides in the past 10 years with people centric initiatives."
"I am confident that this visit will build on the foundations of the past and open a new and bright chapter in the India and Mauritius relationship," he added.

Lalsingh Rajpurohit, a senior leader of Shiv Sena's Shinde faction, has been detained for extortion charges in Kandivali, leading to his suspension and expulsion. Ongoing investigations also involve allegations of defrauding a couple and shop seizure.

Shiv Sena Leader's Extortion Detainment

Lalsingh Rajpurohit, from the Shiv Sena's Shinde faction, is detained over extortion claims, facing suspension and expulsion amid further allegations in Kandivali.

Lalsingh Rajpurohit, a Shiv Sena leader, was detained for extortion. He faces suspension and expulsion amid legal investigations.

Mumbai police have recently detained Lalsingh Rajpurohit, a senior office-bearer of the Shiv Sena, on charges of extortion, according to official statements on Monday.
Rajpurohit, who holds the position of 'Vibhag Parmukh' (division head) for the Shiv Sena's Shinde faction in the suburban area of Kandivali, was taken into custody late Sunday night.
Following his arrest, Rajpurohit faced suspension from his role in the Shiv Sena's Shinde faction due to his alleged involvement in an extortion case filed in December of the previous year.
This information was confirmed by a police officer familiar with the situation.
The Kandivali police revealed that Rajpurohit, along with six associates, was accused of demanding money from a road construction contractor.
Moreover, just last Friday, another First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against him.
This new case involves allegations that he forcibly occupied a shop belonging to a Marathi family, with police contemplating his arrest in this matter as well.
As news of these incidents surfaced, Eknath Shinde, a leader of the faction, ordered the expulsion of Rajpurohit from the party. Consequently, his suspension was confirmed.
Additionally, charges of defrauding an elderly couple and illegally seizing a shop have been filed against Rajpurohit at the Kandivali police station. Investigations into these allegations are currently ongoing, officials stated.

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