Maharashtra's Ganesh Naik speeds up infrastructure project approvals, suggests a new 'Suryatara' project, and plans solar power use and forest fire prevention.

Naik Pushes Fast Green Clearances

Forest Minister Ganesh Naik accelerates project clearances in Maharashtra, proposes 'Suryatara' project, explores solar energy, and outlines forest protection strategies.

Ganesh Naik announces swift approval for infrastructure in Maharashtra, introduces 'Suryatara' project idea, and plans solar and anti-fire measures.

Officials have been given instructions to expedite clearances for important infrastructure projects, including construction of roads, Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik said here on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference after a two-day review of the state forest department, in which marathon meetings and discussions were held, he also said projects announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be cleared "on war footing" by his department.
"I have given clear instructions to senior forest officials not to block construction of important roads. They have been directed to expedite clearance for infrastructure projects in the ambit of the forest department," he said.
Naik also informed reporters that he has written to Reliance Industries' Anant Ambani to start 'Suryatara' project in Maharashtra on the lines of the latter's 'Vantara' initiative in neighbouring Gujarat. Vantara, spread over 3000 acres in RIL's Jamnagar refinery complex, is a state-of-the-art animal rescue and rehabilitation centre.
"If it works out, land has been earmarked in Thane. The project is under consideration," Naik said.
During the press conference, Naik informed about deliberations to use degraded forest land to set up solar power plants and the plan of the social forestry department to plant trees along the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway.
"There are plans to include drones and helicopters to douse forest fires and prevent them. New weapons (for enforcement of forest laws) and drones will be purchased for the forest department. Various efforts are underway to prevent man-animal conflict," he added.

Supreme Court of India to examine petitions on April 16 concerning anti-conversion laws and forced conversions, impacting interfaith marriage rights.

Supreme Court to Hear Religious Conversion Petitions

On April 16, the Supreme Court of India will address petitions challenging state anti-conversion laws and against coerced religious conversions, seeking to redefine India's legal and religious landscape.

The Supreme Court will hear petitions on April 16 challenging state anti-conversion laws and addressing coerced conversions, potentially shaping national policies.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on April 16, a batch of pleas relating to the issue of religious conversions in the country.
While some pleas have challenged the anti-conversion laws in several states, another petition has sought a relief against forced religious conversions.
The April 16 causelist on the apex court website shows the matter would come up before a bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan.
During the hearing in one of the pleas in January 2023, the apex court observed religious conversions was a serious issue and should not be given a political colour.
It had sought the assistance of attorney general R Venkataramani on a plea seeking direction to the Centre and states to take stringent steps to control the alleged fraudulent religious conversions.
The plea sought a check on religious conversions through "intimidation, threatening, deceivingly luring through gifts and monetary benefits".
The top court had in 2023 asked the parties challenging the anti-conversion laws of several states to file a common petition for the transfer of cases on the issue from the high courts to the apex court.
It noted there were at least five such pleas "before the Allahabad High Court; seven before the Madhya Pradesh High Court; two each before the Gujarat and Jharkhand High Courts; three before the Himachal Pradesh and one each before Karnataka and Uttarakhand High Courts".
There were also two separate petitions filed by the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh challenging the interim orders of the respective high courts staying certain provisions of their laws on conversion.
Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind also moved the apex court against the anti-conversion laws of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and argued they were enacted to "harass" interfaith couples and implicate them in criminal cases.
The Muslim body said the provisions of all the local laws of the five states force a person to disclose their faith and, consequently, invade their privacy.

An army soldier, Vikrant Gurjar, on leave in Saharanpur to testify in a murder case, was shot dead. The investigation is ongoing, with police enhancing security to prevent further incidents.

Soldier on Leave Shot Dead in Saharanpur

Vikrant Gurjar, an army soldier, was shot dead while on leave in Saharanpur to testify in a murder case. His body was found with gunshot wounds, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the investigation.

27-year-old army soldier Vikrant Gurjar was shot dead in Saharanpur. He was on leave to testify in his cousin's murder case. Investigation is ongoing with police presence in the village.

An army soldier on leave to testify in a murder case was allegedly shot dead in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, police said on Thursday.
The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Vikrant Gurjar. A resident of Mudikhedi village here, he was posted in Jammu and Kashmir. Vikrant came home on Tuesday on a four-day leave to testify in the case, they said.
The alleged murder happened between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. &nbsp;According to Vikrant's family, he went out for a walk after dinner, but when he did not return, they tried to contact him over the phone. However, his phone was found switched off.
Early Thursday morning, some villagers contacted the family after finding his body near a road with gunshot wounds to his head and chest, Sagar Jain, Superintendent of Police (Rural), told PTI.
The family says he was the key witness in the murder of his cousin Rajat, who was stabbed to death four years ago. &nbsp;
Police have yet to receive a formal complaint in the matter, but they have sent the body for post-mortem. &nbsp;Besides, senior officers are present in the village and have deployed an additional police force to check for any untoward incident, Jain added.

P Chidambaram asserts that the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana is the result of UPA-era diplomacy, not a Modi government breakthrough.

Chidambaram says UPA laid groundwork for Rana extradition, criticises Modi govt for taking credit

P Chidambaram asserts that the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana is the result of UPA-era diplomacy, not a Modi government breakthrough.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday criticised the Modi government for claiming credit for the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.&nbsp;
Chidambaram claimed that the extradition was the outcome of sustained diplomatic efforts initiated during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era.
"In February 2025, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump stood at a press conference and tried to take credit for what was essentially the result of years of UPA-era groundwork. By February 17, Indian officials confirmed Rana's role in the 26/11 conspiracy, dating back to 2005, when he coordinated with LeT and ISI operatives. Finally, on April 8, 2025, US authorities handed over Rana to Indian officials. He arrived in New Delhi on April 10," Chidambaram said in a statement.
Emphasising his tenure as Union Home Minister during the UPA government (2008&ndash;2012), Chidambaram stated that the foundation for Rana&rsquo;s extradition had been laid long before the current administration took over.
"Let the facts be clear: the Modi government did not initiate this process, nor did it secure any new breakthrough. It merely benefited from the mature, consistent, and strategic diplomacy begun under the UPA. This extradition is not the result of any grandstanding, it is a testament to what the Indian state can achieve when diplomacy, law enforcement, and international cooperation are pursued sincerely and without any kind of chest-thumping," he added.
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the United States for aiding the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and providing support for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed over 174 people.&nbsp;
The US Secretary of State had signed his extradition warrant on February 11, 2025. Although Rana&rsquo;s legal team sought an emergency stay, the US Supreme Court rejected the plea on April 7, clearing the way for his extradition.

Pravat Tripathy accuses BJD of inconsistent Waqf Bill stance, sparking discord. Naveen Patnaik rebuffs claims, citing Tripathy's expulsion. Party's mixed Bill stance causes unrest.

BJD's Internal Discord Over Waqf Bill

Former MLA Tripathy accuses BJD of Waqf Bill inconsistency, causing party discord. Patnaik denies claims, citing Tripathy's expulsion. Mixed Bill stance sparks unrest in Odisha.

Former MLA Pravat Tripathy accuses BJD president Naveen Patnaik of inconsistency over the Waqf Bill, sparking internal discord. Patnaik rebuffs claims, citing Tripathy's expulsion. Party's mixed stance on the Bill leads to unrest.

The alleged rift in the opposition BJD over its flip-flop stand on the Waqf Bill voting further widened on Thursday with former party MLA Pravat Tripathy accusing party president Naveen Patnaik of attempting to divert attention from the main issue and lying about his expulsion from the regional outfit.
Addressing a press conference, Tripathy alleged that Patnaik in his statement to the media on Wednesday did not speak on the Waqf Bill voting issue which has created ripples across the party and the state over BJD&rsquo;s change of stand at the last moment.
"He (Patnaik) lied on my suspension. The party revoked action against me in 2017. I did not urge the party to revoke my suspension, but he (Patnaik) revoked it keeping in view my requirements. Therefore, I extensively campaigned for BJD during the 2019 and 2024 elections," Tripathy claimed.
While giving a clean chit to his close aide VK Pandian, the BJD president has said Tripathy was expelled from the party some years ago.
"I want to state clearly that ex-MLA Pravat Tripathy was expelled from the Biju Janata Dal some years ago because he was indicted in a chit-fund case and spent some years in jail. I want to clarify again that he doesn&rsquo;t belong to the party," Patnaik had said on Wednesday.
Countering Patnaik&rsquo;s statement, the former MLA asserted, "I was a member of BJD till Wednesday evening. During the 2019 elections, the BJD president and then chief minister was present at the meeting which I had addressed. I also attended party programmes in Cuttack district after the COVID pandemic," he said and displayed documents and photographs to justify his claim.
Tripathy added, "The then No. 2 in the BJD (referring to Pandian) had hailed my contribution to the party. If this person has withdrawn from active politics and not involved in any party activities for the past 10 months, then why is the needle of suspicion over the split voting pointing towards him," he asked.
Tripathy, who did not contest the polls in 2019 and 2024 and his son Devi Ranjan Tripathy replaced him as the BJD MLA from Banki assembly segment, came to the limelight when he joined the bandwagon in the Waqf voting issue where BJD MPs voted both for and against the Bill.
Like some other leaders, Tripathy too had indicated that Pandian was the person who diluted the BJD stand at the last moment of the voting.
He held the former bureaucrat responsible for the BJD&rsquo;s defeat in the 2024 election.
Tripathy continues to have influence in Banki assembly segment in Cuttack district as he won the seat four times in 1995, 2000, 2009 and 2014.
His son Devi Ranjan Tripathy retained the seat in 2019 and 2024.
BJD was yet to react to Tripathy&rsquo;s allegations.
Though the regional party initially decided to oppose the Bill, it changed its stand and told party MPs to vote according to their conscience.
This led to at least one BJD MP (Sasmit Patra) voting in support of the Bill while another abstained (Debasish Samantray). Five other MPs have not revealed to whom they voted. The BJD has seven MPs in the Rajya Sabha.
With the majority of the party leaders realising that the BJD&rsquo;s secular stand on the Waqf Bill was questioned due to confusion in voting, many indirectly blamed Patnaik&rsquo;s close aide Pandian, who quit active politics 10 months ago after BJD&rsquo;s defeat in both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Though BJD&rsquo;s Rajya Sabha floor leader Sasmit Patra issued a social media post informing all party MPs that they can vote as per conscience, many leaders suspected that he (Patra) might have made such a change at the last moment at the instruction of Pandian.
MP Debasish Samantaray, who abstained from voting on the Bill, has also expressed his displeasure over the last-minute change in the party&rsquo;s stand, indicating at Pandian.
However, Patnaik on Wednesday made it clear that Pandian should not be held responsible or blamed for the activities of BJD, as the bureaucrat-turned-politician had already been away from active politics for over 10 months.
Meanwhile, Patra has reached New Delhi after his foreign tour but was yet to clarify his stand on the Waqf Bill voting issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Anandpur Dham in Madhya Pradesh for spiritual and community events, focusing on regional philanthropy.

PM Modi Visits Anandpur Dham, Madhya Pradesh

PM Modi is set to visit Anandpur Dham, engaging in spiritual and community activities, emphasizing regional philanthropy and development initiatives.

PM Modi visits Madhya Pradesh's Anandpur Dham, engaging in spiritual and community events, enhancing regional development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Anandpur Dham in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh on Friday, where he is set to take part in a public programme, officials said.
Anandpur Dham is located in Anandpur village of Isagarh tehsil. It is about 30 km from Ashoknagar district headquarters and about 215 km from Bhopal.
PM Modi will take darshan and perform pooja at Guru Ji Maharaj temple in Isagarh around 3.15 pm. An hour later, he will participate in a public programme at Anandpur Dham and address a gathering on the occasion, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said in a release.
Anandpur Dham has been established for spiritual and philanthropic purposes. Spread over an area of 315 hectares, it houses a modern gaushala (cowshed) with over 500 cows and runs agricultural activities under Shri Anandpur Trust campus, it said.
The trust has been operating a charitable hospital in Sukhpur village, schools in Sukhpur and Anandpur and various Satsang Centers across the country, the release added.
This is PM Modi's second visit to MP this year. Earlier, he visited Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur district on February 23, and inaugurated the Global Investors Summit in state capital Bhopal the next day.

A fast-acting police team in Delhi saved a man attempting suicide by jumping off the Signature Bridge. Quick coordination and the use of a boat and divers led to the successful rescue, underlining the importance of police vigilance in critical situations.

Police Rescue: Man Saved from Yamuna River

In Delhi, police saved a 30-year-old man from a suicide attempt in the Yamuna River. Using private divers, they responded swiftly to ensure his safety, showcasing the importance of police intervention in life-threatening events.

Police in Delhi rescued a 30-year-old man from the Yamuna River after a suicide attempt. The swift response involved head constables, divers, and a boat, demonstrating the importance of timely police action to prevent tragedy.

A 30-year-old man who attempted to take his own life by jumping off the Signature Bridge into the Yamuna river was rescued by a police team, an official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at 12.20 pm on Tuesday when the man, Vicky, a resident of Dhaka Gaon in Delhi, jumped into the river following a quarrel with his father, police said.
Beat patrol staff -- head constables Ajay, Om Parkash and Mula Ram -- were on duty near the area and witnessed the incident.
They immediately informed senior officers and a team coordinated efforts to rescue the man, a senior officer said.
With the help of private divers and a boat the officers managed to pull Vicky out of the river in semi-conscious state, he said.
Vicky was promptly given medical attention and his father was informed. He was later handed over to his family after necessary treatment, the officer added.

CM Revanth Reddy of Telangana launches 'Young India' initiatives focusing on education and sports with Skills and Sports Universities, aiming to empower the state's youth.

Telangana CM Reveals 'Young India' Initiatives

CM Reddy launches 'Young India' to empower Telangana youth with new educational and sports initiatives, including Skills and Sports Universities and Integrated Residential Schools.

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy introduces 'Young India' educational initiatives, featuring skills and sports universities, and residential schools, aiming to empower youth.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday stated that the Skills University, Sports University, and Integrated Residential Schools being established in the state&mdash;each named 'Young India'&mdash;collectively constitute his "brand".
'Young India' brand is being created in Telangana today with Mahatma Gandhi's inspiration, he said.
After inaugurating the Young India Police School here, he said the title 'Young India' was not created by him but by Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhiji ran a journal named 'Young India' during the freedom movement, Reddy recalled, adding that it reflected "the voice of India." The first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, is hailed for his stellar contributions to the country's progress after Independence, while former PM Indira Gandhi is known for her pro-poor welfare measures with the slogan 'roti, kapda aur makaan' (food, clothing, and shelter), he said.
Reddy said he is often asked by political analysts and journalists why he has not been able to "create a brand of his own" despite being in power for the last 16 months.
He said former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh and TDP founder N T Rama Rao is known for his iconic Rs 2-a-kg rice scheme, while incumbent Andhra CM N Chandrababu Naidu is credited with the growth of the IT sector in Hyderabad.
He also recalled the contributions of former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, a son of the soil, in introducing economic reforms in the country.
Another former CM of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, is applauded for initiating irrigation projects, the CM said.
Taking a veiled dig at BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, he said some claim the recognition of having fought for Telangana statehood and its formation.
"Analysts and well-wishers ask me whether I would go unnoticed as a chief minister without any brand. I would like to tell analysts, critics, and the people of the state&mdash;Young India is my brand," Reddy said.
He said all the students of the Young India Skills University, set up in the state with Anand Mahindra of the Mahindra Group as its head, are assured of employment.
Big corporates are showing interest in the proposed Young India Sports University, he said.
Observing that the social welfare residential schools set up in the state earlier lacked even basic facilities, he said his government is establishing Young India Integrated Residential Schools in every Assembly constituency, with Rs 200 crore allocated for each school.
Talking about the reforms being initiated in school education, Reddy said the government is considering introducing preschool classes for poor children to provide quality education and ensure their continued primary education in government schools.
The government is also considering providing breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks to children attending such preschool classes, he added.

Pakistan claims Tahawwur Rana is a Canadian citizen as the U.S. clears his extradition to India in the 2008 Mumbai attacks case.

Pakistan denies links to Tahawwur Rana, calls him Canadian amid extradition to India

Pakistan claims Tahawwur Rana is a Canadian citizen as the U.S. clears his extradition to India in the 2008 Mumbai attacks case.

Pakistan has distanced itself from Tahawwur Rana, one of the accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, asserting that he holds Canadian nationality. Rana is currently being extradited to India, where the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to take him into custody upon arrival.
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the United States for aiding Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the proscribed terror organization responsible for the coordinated attacks in Mumbai that left more than 174 people dead. His involvement included providing material support to LeT operatives.
In response to media queries about Rana&rsquo;s extradition to India, Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, stated, &ldquo;Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani documents for over two decades. His Canadian nationality is very clear.&rdquo; Although Pakistan allows dual citizenship for those who have migrated to Canada, the government has made it clear it no longer recognizes Rana as a Pakistani citizen.
The U.S. Secretary of State signed the surrender warrant approving Rana&rsquo;s extradition to Indian authorities on February 11. However, Rana&rsquo;s legal team filed an emergency stay motion challenging the decision. On April 7, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the petition, clearing the path for his extradition.
India has long pursued Rana&rsquo;s extradition, with the case gaining renewed momentum following the recent U.S. court decision. According to the NIA, the agency registered a case on November 11, 2009, under various Indian laws related to terrorism and conspiracy.
The NIA clarified, &ldquo;As per the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs order No. 11034/10/ 2009-IS.VI dated 11/11/ 2009 National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case on 11/11/2009 at NIA Police Station, New Delhi as Case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI under sections 121A of IPC, Section 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 6(2) SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act against 1) David Coleman Headley @ Daood Gilani (US Citizen), 2) Tahawwur Hussain Rana (Canadian citizen) and others.&rdquo;
The agency added that both Rana and Headley had been taken into custody by U.S. law enforcement in connection with this case. &ldquo;NIA sent Extradition Requests to USA for extradition of accused persons David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, which are still pending for execution by the authorities of USA. A letter Rogatory (letter of request for assistance in investigation) has been furnished to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and a reply is awaited from them,&rdquo; the NIA noted.
&ldquo;After completion of investigation, charge sheet has been filed in the Court of Hon'ble Special Judge, NIA, Patiala House, New Delhi on December 24, 2011 against all 9 accused persons under sections 120 B, read with 121, 121A, 302, 468 and 471 Indian Penal Code and sections 16,18 &amp; 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,&rdquo; the statement added.
Rana&rsquo;s extradition is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to deliver justice to the victims and families affected by the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Kultar Singh Sandhwan expresses deep condolences over the passing of former Minister Randhir Singh Cheema, honoring his commitment to Punjab's welfare and offering comfort to the grieving family.

Tributes As Speaker Mourns Minister Randhir Cheema

Punjab Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan expresses heartfelt condolences on the passing of Randhir Singh Cheema. Remembering Cheema's dedication to Punjab, he offers prayers for peace and courage to the grieving family.

Kultar Singh Sandhwan mourns Former Minister Randhir Singh Cheema, honoring his dedication and contributions to Punjab. He prays for peace to the departed soul and strength for Cheema&rsquo;s family.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has expressed his condolences on the passing of former Minister Randhir Singh Cheema.
Reflecting on Cheema's contributions, Sandhwan noted that he led a humble life dedicated to serving the people of Punjab with unwavering commitment. He offered prayers for the departed soul&rsquo;s peace and wished strength for the bereaved family to endure this significant loss.

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It's Trinamool Vs BJP over the Netaji legacy in the election year. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee led a six-km-long march in Kolkata on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The CM also took a swipe at the Centre's decision to mark the day as 'Parakaram Divas'. Bengal govt has wanted the day to be called 'Deshnayak Diwas', a title given to Netaji by Rabindranath Tagore. Slamming the Centre's move, the CM said that Netaji is a philosophy and an emotion, who believed in the unity of religions. PM Modi is slated to attend a mega event to mark the day at Victoria Memorial.

Mamata leads march on Netaji anniv, targets Centre over day name

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee led a six-km-long march in Kolkata on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

It's Trinamool Vs BJP over the Netaji legacy in the election year. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee led a six-km-long march in Kolkata on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The CM also took a swipe at the Centre's decision to mark the day as 'Parakaram Divas'. Bengal govt has wanted the day to be called 'Deshnayak Diwas', a title given to Netaji by Rabindranath Tagore. Slamming the Centre's move, the CM said that Netaji is a philosophy and an emotion, who believed in the unity of religions. PM Modi is slated to attend a mega event to mark the day at Victoria Memorial.

Dr. Upendra Kaul's 'Heart Clinic on Wheels' aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Kashmir's remote areas, providing crucial heart care services and diagnostics.

Mobile Heart Clinic Launches in Kashmir

Dr. Upendra Kaul introduces a mobile heart clinic to deliver crucial cardiac care to remote areas in Kashmir, offering life-saving diagnostics and treatments.

India's first 'Heart Clinic on Wheels' launched by Dr. Upendra Kaul targets heart health in remote Kashmir with advanced diagnostics and regular follow-ups.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, India&rsquo;s reputed cardiologist Upendra Kaul on Thursday launched a project -- 'Heart Clinic on Wheels' -- to provide healthcare facilities in the remote pockets of south Kashmir&rsquo;s Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam districts.
The mobile hospital will also be used for school surveys to detect rheumatic and congenital heart diseases, besides obesity in children aged between 5 and15 years, Kaul said.
He said the innovative project, part of the ambitious 'No Heart Attack' mission, has been started by Gauri Kaul Foundation (GKF) in collaboration with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).
The mobile hospital has all the facilities and advanced diagnostic equipment like ECG, portable echocardiography with doppler, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring for complete non-invasive assessment of heart, he said at the launch of the 'Heart Clinic on Wheels' in Hawal village of Pulwama.
To begin with, the clinic will serve in three remote areas of Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam, the doctor said.
"We started Gauri Kaul Foundation in 2021. So far, we have made four telemedicine centres in Machil in Kupwara, Srinagar and Pulwama in Kashmir and Jagti Colony in Jammu. We wanted to do something for the people living in far flung areas who had no access to medical facilities,&rdquo; he said.
Kaul, founder-director of GKF, said the initiative funded by IOC has got equipment worth Rs 78 lakh.
&ldquo;We will go to Ayushman wellness centres and examine 100 patients in each district. We will provide them starter medical kits and then after every three months, we will examine them again to check how much the patients got benefitted and submit a report to concerned authorities,&rdquo; he said.
Kaul said the mobile hospital also has the capabilities to perform important blood biochemistry and point of care tests on-the-spot to detect heart failure (NT-Pro BNP), heart muscle injury (Troponins), preexisting diabetes (HbA1c), blood coagulation profile including INR and D Dimer and inflammatory marker (hs-CRP).
These tests would scientifically diagnose the major risk factors of high blood pressure, the level of control of blood sugar and heart failure of all the types, Kaul said.
The patients, he said, would also be provided appropriate generic drugs from the Janaushidi besides follow-up visits will be done and all the tests repeated at three-month intervals.
&ldquo;The effects of the treatment will be assessed and compliance of the patients ascertained. A final report will be made and circulated to the health authorities,&rdquo; he said.
Kaul said the heart clinic will also be used for school surveys to detect rheumatic and congenital heart diseases, besides obesity in children aged 5-15 years.
&ldquo;This would be the 2nd part of this project. Affected children, their teachers and parents would be advised appropriate prophylactic measures and counselled regarding diet and exercise,&rdquo; he added.
The doctor said his mission is "no heart attacks", requesting non-governmental organisations to come forward and help the foundation to take this initiative forward.
&ldquo;It has to be a partnership between private and government organisations. This is a humble beginning and we hope it helps the people in the remote areas,&rdquo; he said.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana's extradition marks a critical development in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks’ legal journey, promising vital new insights.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana Extradition: A Justice Leap

Rana's extradition from the US to India is pivotal in the ongoing justice process for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Expected to provide new insights, this marks a major legal stride.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana's extradition from the US to India marks a significant step in seeking justice for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, with potential insights into the incident.

Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who is being extradited to India from the US, will definitely get convicted in the country possibly with a death sentence for his involvement in the dastardly terrorist act, former home secretary Gopal Krishna Pillai said on Thursday.
He said Rana was an associate of David Colemon Headley, who played a much significant role in the 26/11 attacks.
"Rana was the person who set up the immigration office (of his firm) in Mumbai in which David Headley was given the job and then he got a visa to come to India. The cover for Headley was provided by Rana. So, he and Headley were very close and they knew what was happening. So that is something which his interrogation in India will bring out and what Headley had told him," Pillai told PTI Videos.
He said Rana was not the person who did the survey of the Taj hotel and other places where the terrorists will land.
"All that was done by David Headley. He was the person who came to India, then went to Pakistan and shared all the information (to terrorists in Pakistan). But as a co-conspirator, Rana will definitely get convicted in India and possibly (get) a death sentence or 10 years or more," said Pillai, who took over as the home secretary barely six months after the deadliest terror strike.
On Pakistan's role in 26/11 terror attacks, he said that link has already been established during the NIA (National Investigation Agency) investigation and "we had the other accused who were there in Pakistan against whom warrants have been issued but not executed by Pakistan".
"So, that link was very clearly established initially with some cooperation from Pakistan. But subsequently Pakistan has been stonewalling the entire investigation. They didn't try them (accused) in Pakistan either and did not hand them to us for trial in India," the former home secretary said.
Another former home secretary and former Union minister R K Singh said Rana's extradition is a very big achievement for the country.
He said this extradition is a message to other terrorists that "if you go somewhere and attack a country, that doesn't mean that you can stay in any other country".
"You will have to face justice in the nation where you did terror activities. It is important that such a message go to terrorists," Singh said.
He said Rana's testimony will help in getting details which are not known to Indian authorities.
"We may get more information so that we can catch more people or pinpoint them who are in Pakistan. The whole planning, conceptualisation of this attack was done in Pakistan, by Pakistan's deep state. Deep state meaning Army, ISI (Pakistani spy agency) etc. They all planned it, trained people, gave them arms and launched them.
"At a time when the attack was going on, they gave direction from there. Minute-to- minute direction used to come from there as to what needs to be done. We know who all were doing it? They were LeT People," said Singh, now a BJP leader.
The 64-year-old Pakistan-origin Canadian national Rana was lodged at a metropolitan detention centre in Los Angeles. He is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.
Singh said the country needs to focus on another issue as to how both Rana and Headley were given visas for visiting India every time.
"One other issue on which we have to focus is that Tahawwur Rana came to India so many times. Headley came to India many times. How did they get the visa every time? We will have to check it. Whether his sympathisers or ISI agents are here or not, who facilitated it? This has to be found out. Whether they (Rana and Headley) had any local link here? This has to be found out. His extradition and interrogation would help in getting this information," Singh said.
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai in Patna said that ever since Narendra Modi became the prime minister, a strict vigil has been kept on traitors of the nation.
"Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah, terrorism is nearly wiped out from India. Strong action has been taken against the traitors in the last 14 years. No one has been spared," Rai said.

Shashi Tharoor applauds Tahawwur Rana's extradition, marking significant progress in justice for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack's 166 victims, as efforts continue to bring all perpetrators to trial.

Rana's Extradition: Progress in 26/11 Case

Shashi Tharoor commends Tahawwur Rana's extradition, marking a significant step in seeking justice for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks victims, highlighting the ongoing quest to bring all conspirators to court.

Shashi Tharoor lauds Rana's extradition over 26/11 attacks, marking progress in justice for the 166 victims.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday welcomed the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 case, and said everyone associated with the conspiracy of the Mumbai terror attacks must face the court of justice.
He also described Rana's extradition as a "step forward for justice".
Rana, 64, is a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of one of the main conspirators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, is being brought to India after his last-ditch attempt to evade extradition failed as the US Supreme Court justices rejected his application.
Talking to PTI, Tharoor said, "I think it's a good thing that we have been able to get at least one person extradited. 26/11 (Mumbai terror attacks) was such a horror for our country, in which 166 people were killed brutally. Everyone associated with that conspiracy needs to come before the court of justice." "I am really hoping that we will be able, through the investigation and through the interrogation, to find out more details about what happened, how it happened, how it was run, and equally that this man will be brought to justice. What was done was really terrible," the former diplomat said.
The Congress MP from Kerala said another key conspirator of the 26/11 attacks, David Coleman Headley, was still out of the clutches of the Indian security agencies.
"I think it is important for the people of India that we get some sort of progress towards the closure. That fellow, David Coleman Headley, is still in America. They are not willing to send him to us because of some plea bargain. But we really need to get to the bottom of all of this as much as possible," he said.
The Congress leader said he was feeling bad at this juncture as the victims of the 1985 Air India bombing were still awaiting justice.
"Let's see how much justice we can get in this," Tharoor said.
He said he was "very glad" that Indian authorities managed to get Rana's custody, and said it was a step forward for justice.
"There is too much suffering and tragedy for us to think in terms of a victory, but I think it is at least a step forward for justice," the Congress leader said.
Rana is a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of one of the main conspirators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, a US citizen.
On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists went on a rampage, carrying out a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, after they sneaked into India's financial capital using the sea route in the Arabian Sea.
As many as 166 persons were killed in the nearly 60-hour terror assault.

A shocking murder case in Ajmer involved a woman and her partner, accused of killing her husband. Detained by police, the suspects face in-depth interrogation.

Ajmer Murder: Wife, Partner Arrested

A chilling murder story emerges in Ajmer as a woman and her differently-abled partner are arrested for plotting and executing the murder of her husband, Mastan Cheeta. The police investigation continues as evidence suggests her premeditated involvement in the crime.

In Ajmer, Rajasthan, a woman and her partner were arrested for her husband's murder. The investigation hints at a premeditated plan.

A woman and her differently abled partner were arrested for allegedly killing her husband in Rajasthan's Ajmer district, police said on Thursday.
SP Ajmer said that the body of Mastan Cheeta was found near Nasirabad on Tuesday.
She said that Janta (29) and Bashir Khan (29) had been in contact for one year. She had eloped with him a while ago.
Following which Bashir filed a missing person report. Police traced them and brought Janta back and she began living with her husband, police said.
"Janta and Bashir hatched a conspiracy to kill Mastan. He needed some money and on the pretext of lending him the amount, Bashir called Mastan near Nasirabad Road on Monday evening. They met and began drinking near an abandoned house," she said.
When Mastan got drunk, Bashir hit him with a knife and slit his throat, the SP said.
The SP said that Mastan's wife Janta was a suspect since the investigation began and after collecting evidence that pointed out her and Bashir's involvement, the police detained them for questioning.
"Janta was not present at the scene of the crime but she was involved in planning the murder. The matter is being investigated further and anyone else found involved in the crime will be arrested," she added.

Sikkim's government announces a sabbatical leave scheme to boost productivity, allowing employees to pursue education or new ventures while maintaining job continuity.

Sikkim's Sabbatical Scheme for Employee Growth

The Sikkim government's new sabbatical leave scheme aims to boost employee productivity by allowing breaks for further education or ventures while maintaining job continuity.

Sikkim's sabbatical scheme enhances productivity by allowing employees to pursue education or ventures without service disruption. Temporary staff qualify after six months.

The Sikkim government has introduced a special leave scheme for its permanent and temporary employees to increase work productivity.
The &lsquo;Sabbatical Leave&rsquo; scheme aims to provide extended leave opportunities to employees while ensuring that there is no break in service.
The scheme was announced on April 7 by the Department of Personnel.
A sabbatical is an extended leave or break from work an employee takes without losing continuity in service. It can be paid or unpaid.
The leave will allow the employees to pursue personal or professional endeavours, including business.
The scheme will allow employees to pursue further studies and diplomas, or receive specialised training in their respective fields of work, making them more qualified and efficient, sources said.
This initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to support personal and professional growth among its workforce, the CM had said earlier.
Monday's circular also outlines details such as eligibility criteria, terms and conditions.
The heads of departments (HoDs) are authorised to approve the sabbatical for the Group C and D employees, including all temporary staff, according to the notification.
For the Group A and B employees, the secretary of the Department of Personnel has been designated as the approving authority.
The temporary employees will become eligible for a sabbatical after completing a minimum of six months in service.
The government has also emphasised the importance of maintaining sufficient staff when employees are on leave to ensure the smooth functioning of all departments, the circular said.

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