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Free UPSC coaching: Jamia Millia Islamia opens admissions

NEW DELHI: The Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), Centre for Coaching and Career Planning, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is inviting applications for Free Coaching, with a hostel facility, to prepare for the Civil Services (Preliminary-cum-Main) Examination 2025, according to a notification on Monday. Candidates from Minority, SC, ST communities and women can apply for the programme. The last date to submit the application form (online only) is 19th May 2024. The university will conduct entrance examinations in ten cities: Delhi, Srinagar, Jammu, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Mumbai, Patna, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Malappuram, the notice added. RCA is a renowned academy in the field of coaching students for Civil Service exams providing free coaching and training to the students in a structured learning curriculum, including 24x7 library facility and an ecosystem that is regarded as one of the best in the country for aspirants of the Civil Services and competitive examinations. The academy has given many good results in the past, including the UPSC topper in the Civil Services exam and other Central and State Services toppers. Since its inception, RCA has given more than 600 selections in Civil Services and other Central and State Services. Jamia introduces three new departments for law, dental, medical sciences

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:08 am

BJP to contest 17 seats in state, JD(U) 16, LJP (RV) 5

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:33 am

Pranav replaces Siddhartha as ACS (home)

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:32 am

Teachers Recruitment Exam on for now

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:32 am

Vehicle movement restricted ahead of filing nomination

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:32 am

Lovely Anand joins JD(U), may contest from Sheohar

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:31 am

Agri varsity launches 11 training progs for farmers

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:31 am

Why Intermediate students are out on the streets

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:31 am

Man held for killing minor girlfriend

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:30 am

132 SSTs to remain active 24/7 in Patna

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:30 am

Railways beefs up securityat major stns ahead of Holi

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:30 am

Will contest LS poll from Hajipur, says Chirag Paswan

Patna, March 19 (IANS) With the NDA announcing its seat-sharing deal in Bihar on Monday, Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJPR) President Chirag Paswan said that he will contest the Hajipur (reserved) seat in the coming elections. The LJPR has been given 5 seats Hajipur, Samastipur, Jamui (all reserved), Vaishali, and Khagaria. Hajipur is the []

bhaskarlive 19 Mar 2024 1:02 am

High Heat Set to Hamper Election Campaign

Visakhapatnam : Visakhapatnam is reeling under a scorching heat wave, posing a major challenge to political parties gearing up for the general election campaigns. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted above-normal temperatures and heat waves persisting till June, political leaders foresee this as a serious handicap in their attempts to reach out to the voters. This year, the temperature is expected to be above normal, with heat waves lasting until June, said IMD scientist S Karuna Sagar. The district disaster management authority (DDMA) issued a heat advisory in mid-February, urging the people to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3 pm. People were urged to carry umbrellas, hats, and proper footwear while they are outdoors. With daytime temperatures forecast to range from 33 to 37 degrees Celsius for the next ten days, political campaigning is likely to suffer majorly. Chairman of Heritage Foundation, Dr. Gangadharan, advised proper hydration and avoiding outside food and drinks. The intense heat can lead to heatstroke, which can cause brain strokes. Children are also susceptible to chickenpox and chikungunya during this season. Political leaders are keeping their fingers crossed. In the 2019 elections, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan suffered a heat stroke in Visakhapatnam during his campaign and required hospitalization. Several other leaders have also suffered heat stroke at that time. Fears are that such instances can be repeated this time.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 1:00 am

TD Leader, Wife Join YSRC

Vijayawada : Senior Telugu Desam (TD) leaders Gampala Venkata Ramachandra Rao and wife Sandhya Rani joined YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at the latters camp office on Monday. Ramachandra Rao, who hails from the Vada Balija community, previously held the position of TD in-charge for the Visakhapatnam South and East constituencies, served as the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee joint secretary and the working president of the OBC wing. Besides, he also served as the director of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust and a member of the Censor Board. This apart, social activist Dr Kancharla Achyuta Rao, previously affiliated with the Praja Rajyam Party in Visakhapatnam, has joined the YSRC at the Chief Ministers camp office. The YSRC regional coordinator Y.V. Subba Reddy and the former chairman of Vizag Smart City Corporation, G. Venkateswara Rao, welcomed new joinees to YSRC fold.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 12:44 am

Ajaypuram tribals seek completion of drinking water project

The villages identified for implementation of the scheme are having basic infrastructure like water, power and sheds for accommodating machinery. (Photo: DC archives) The villages identified for implementation of the scheme are having basic infrastructure like water, power and sheds for accommodating machinery. (Photo: DC archives) Visakhapatnam : Tribals of the Ajaypuram village of Cheemalapadu panchayat in Ravikamatham mandal of Anakapalli district, who have been kept waiting for a save drinking for more than two years, on Monday staged a protest and demanded the officials to complete the project immediately. Despite several pleas, the officials have not been able to complete the drinking water supply project so far. A borewell was dug up two years ago and a water tank too was constructed eight months ago, but the pipeline work has not been completed. Tribals wanted officials to supply of water through taps to every household in Ajaypuram village where a population of 130 live. Pangi Ajay Kumar, who led the protest, We demand the officials to immediately complete the project and ensure tribals of a safe drinking water during the hot summer. says Vantala Dashanti, a protester.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 12:04 am

Bilateral Tri-Services Exercise Between India and US

Visakhapatnam: In continuing partnership between India and the US, a bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise between the two countries, Tiger Triumph-24, is under way on the Eastern Seaboard from March 18 to 31. Indian Navy ships with integral helicopters and landing crafts embarked the Indian Navy aircraft. Indian Army personnel and vehicles and IAF aircraft and helicopters along with the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) would be participating in the exercise, it was officially announced here. The US would be represented by its navy ships with troops drawn from the US Marine Corps and the US Army. The exercise is aimed at developing interoperability for conducting HADR operations and refining standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enable rapid and smooth coordination between forces of both countries. The Harbour Phase is scheduled from March 18 to 25. Personnel from both navies would participate in training visits, subject matter expert exchanges, sports events and social interactions. On completion of the Harbour Phase, the ships, with the troops embarked, would sail for the Sea Phase and undertake maritime, amphibious and HADR operations following injected situations, the statement said.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 12:00 am

Vizag gears up for IPL return as Delhi Capitals set up camp

Visakhapatnam: Cricket fans here are buzzing with excitement as the Indian Premier League (IPL) returns to the city after a five-year hiatus. The Delhi Capitals (DC) have declared Visakhapatnam their second home for the season. Members of the squad, including stars like Rishabh Pant, Yash Dhul and Ishant Sharma have already arrived and begun practising at the YSR ACA-VDCA stadium. The city would host two high-voltage matches the first between DC and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led by MS Dhoni on March 31, and the second featuring DC and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 3. While official confirmation on ticket sales is awaited, an announcement is expected within the next few days. Social media is abuzz with speculation that the water crisis in Bengaluru might lead to more matches being shifted to Visakhapatnam. There's no official word from IPL or the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) on this. The ACA is actively preparing for the IPL. Packed houses are expected for both matches, considering the city's long wait since its last IPL encounter in May, 2019 (coincidentally, an eliminator between DC and CSK). ACA secretary Gopinath Reddy said, The stadium is being readied, and we'll be meeting with the police and others to finalise security. After that, ticket sales will start. Visakhapatnam has emerged as a prominent cricketing venue in recent years, hosting T20s, ODIsand Test matches. The ACA expects a high demand for tickets, with the DC-CSK clash likely to be the hottest one. Fans gear up to witness the legendary Dhoni in action.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 11:51 pm

New BRS joinees change political equations in GHMC

Hyderabad: Political equations under Greater Hyderabad limits have altered after Chevella MP G.Ranjith Reddy and Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender joined the Congress after quitting the BRS. More BRS MLAs from Greater Hyderabad limits are expected to join the Congress before the Lok Sabha elections. There are four Lok Sabha constituencies under Greater Hyderabad limits, namely, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Chevella. Voters under Greater Hyderabad limits gave an interesting verdict in the previous Lok Sabha polls held in 2019. They elected four different parties in four seats. The Congress emerged victorious in Malkajgiri, while the BJP won Secunderabad, the BRS won Chevella and the AIMIM, as usual, won the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat. The Congress, which could win only Malkajgiri Lok Sabha seat under the Greater Hyderabad limits in 2019, is now aiming for Secunderabad and Chevella seats also on the back of the joining of incumbent BRS MP from Chevella constituency and incumbent BRS MLA from Khairatabad. Since the Khairatabad Assembly segment falls under the Secunderabad Lok Sabha limits, the Congress leadership hopes to gain in LS election with the joining of Danam Nagender. Out of seven Assembly constituencies under Secunderabad Lok Sabha seat, six are held by BRS and one by AIMIM. The BRS won Musheerabad, Amberpet, Khairatabad, Jubilee Hills, Sanathnagar, Nampally and Secunderabad while AIMIM won Nampally. Of this, Khairatabad MLA joined Congress. The Congress expects few more BRS MLAs to join the Congress before the LS polls. Similarly, in Chevella, the Congress hopes to gain directly with the joining of BRS incumbent MP Ranjith Reddy. It is speculated that Congress will field Ranjith Reddy again from Chevella. Earlier, there were reports that Congress will field Vikarabad ZP chairperson Patnam Sunitha Reddy, wife of BRS MLC Patnam Mahender Reddy, from Chevella, who joined the Congress from the BRS in February. Now that Ranjith Reddy joined the Congress, it is speculated that Sunitha will be shifted to Malkajgiri. GHMC former mayor Bonthu Rammohan joined the Congress from BRS in February. Speculations were rife that he joined the Congress only after he got assurance from the high command that he will be given Secunderabad Lok Sabha ticket. With BRS MLA Danam Nagender joining the Congress all of a sudden, there is a buzz in party circles that Danam may be considered for the Secunderabad Lok Sabha seat. The Congress party's strategy on Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is being keenly watched. Whether the Congress would like to have a 'friendly contest' with the AIMIM or not is being strongly debated in the wake of recent moves of the Owaisi brothers moving closely to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and assuring complete cooperation to the Congress government in Telangana from the AIMIM's side to complete its full five year term.. Earlier, then ruling party BRS too used to have a 'friendly contest' with the AIMIM in the Hyderabad LS seat by fielding a weak candidate.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 11:34 pm

NDA finalises seat sharing in Bihar, BJP to contest 17, JD-U 16, LJPR 5 (Lead)

New Delhi/Patna, March 18 (IANS) The BJP-lead National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday finalised the seat-sharing deal in Bihar between its constituents including the BJP, the Janata Dal-United, the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). The BJP, in a big brother role in Bihar, will contest []

bhaskarlive 18 Mar 2024 11:33 pm

Success of Chilakaluripeta meet indicates that the NDA alliance will repeat its 2014 success, says BJP leader in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is developed only with the cooperation of the Centre, he says

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 11:30 pm

TD leaders in Vizag in desperate wait for tickets

A delegation of opposition Telugu Desam MPs on Thursday called on chief election commissioner (CEC) Ravi Kumar in New Delhi seeking deputation of All-India Service officers from outside Andhra Pradesh for preparation of electoral rolls in the state for the forthcoming AP assembly general elections.(Image:Twitter) A delegation of opposition Telugu Desam MPs on Thursday called on chief election commissioner (CEC) Ravi Kumar in New Delhi seeking deputation of All-India Service officers from outside Andhra Pradesh for preparation of electoral rolls in the state for the forthcoming AP assembly general elections.(Image:Twitter) Visakhapatnam: Senior Telugu Desam leaders in Vizag are anxiously waiting for the next party list of assembly and Lok Sabha candidates. They are pinning their hopes on party chief Chandrababu Naidu. The TD leadership has not explained to Ganta Srinivas Rao why he was denied the Bhimili ticket. Ganta hesitates to go to compete against Botsa in Chipurupalli of Vizianagaram district. He repeatedly conveyed his reservations to the leadership but did not get any positive response. Senior leader and former minister Bandaru Satyanarayana is depressed as he does not know whether he will get a ticket or not. Rumours were that he was considering the option of quitting the party and joining the YSRC. But Bandaru said he has no such plan. Bandaru expected the Pendurthi assembly ticket. When the TD was in trouble, Bandaru stood firm and confronted the YSRC. TD men say that Bandaru's troubles started when former MLA Panchakarla Ramesh Babu bid goodbye to the YSRC, joined the Jana Sena and grabbed the ruling partys Pendurti ticket. There is talk in TD that the Pendurthi ticket will be given to Jana Sena and Panchkarla Ramesh Babu will be the candidate. Bandarus close associates say Bandaru is unable to digest this. TD cadres say it is not appropriate to sideline leaders like Bandaru, who have worked for the party and faced arrests. The YSRC has not decided on its candidate for the Anakapalli LS seat. A campaign is on in the district that Bandaru can be given this MP ticket. TDP sources say Bandaru cannot go to YSRC as his son-in-law, Srikakulam MP Kinjarapu Rammohananaidu, is in a key position in TD.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 11:27 pm

Paras likely to resign from Modi cabinet after denied seats in LS polls

PATNA: Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras is likely to resign from the Narendra Modi cabinet after his party was not offered any seats in the seat-sharing pact announced by the NDA on Monday for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar. Paras held a meeting with senior leaders of the party at his official residence in New Delhi to discuss the future course of action. A senior leader of the party, present at the meeting, said that it was unanimously decided to snap ties with the NDA in the wake of the seat-sharing development. Our party has not been given proper respect while striking a seat-sharing deal within the NDA constituents. Now we are free to take any decision and contest elections independently, the leader revealed, requesting anonymity as a formal announcement in this regard would be made later. Apart from Paras, MPs Prince Raj (Samastipur), Chandan Singh (Nawada), and former MP Surajbhan Singh were present at Mondays meeting. Chirag Paswan's rift with unclePashupati Kumar Paras, RLJP widens as he returns to NDA RLJP has decided to field its candidates in the seats it had won in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Undivided LJP had contested Hajipur, Khagaria, Samastipur, Vaishali, and Nawada seats in the last Lok Sabha election. A national vice president of RLJP said that talks on entering into a pre-poll alliance with the Opposition grand alliance in Bihar were also held at the meeting. Paras reiterated his intention to fight from the Hajipur seat, which has been allotted to his nephew Chirag Paswans LJP(R). Paras had earlier hinted at snapping ties with the NDA if his party was not given due respect. We are free to take any decision if due respect is not given in the NDA, Paras had told the media last week. He had made it clear that he would take a final call after the seat-sharing deal was finalized among NDA allies and a formal announcement made.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 10:06 pm

SC Commission issues notice to Andhra University Vice-Chancellor and Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner on a complaint lodged by BA LLB student

NCSC directs the two authorities to submit action taken report on the complaint within 30 days

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 9:52 pm

Amarnath gears up to launch election campaign in Gajuwaka Assembly constituency in Visakhapatnam

The IT Minister has been conducting a series of meetings with the local party cadre and YSRCP supporters

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 9:00 pm

Seat-sharing among 'INDIA' bloc allies in Bihar to be decided in two-three days: Tejashwi

PATNA: Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said on Monday that seat-sharing arrangements among constituents of grand alliance or mahagathbandhan would be announced in two-three days. Speaking to media persons on his return to Patna from Mumbai after attending Opposition INDIA bloc rally in Mumbai, said that the seat-sharing deal among grand alliance partners was in final stage and would formally be declared in next two-three days. He, however, admitted that there are issues over a seat or two, but it would be resolved in next few days. BJP to contest 17 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, JD(U) 16, LJP (Ram Vilas) five Sources said that RJD wants to contest on 28 seats and given nine seats to Congress, two seats for CPI-ML and one seat for CPI. But Congress is insisting on fielding its candidates on 11 seats. Left parties are also demanding a few more seats. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, RJD had contested on 20 seats, Congress on nine seats and 11 seats were given to its alliesRashtriya Lok Samta Party (five), Hindustani Awam Morcha and Vikassheel Insaan Party three seats each. But this time, both Upendra Kushwahas Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha led by Jitan Ram Manjhi are part of NDA. Vikassheel Insaan Party has so far not entered into any alliance. Tejashwi also hit out at NDA over question paper leak of teachers recruitment examination conducted by Bihar Public Service Commission. Whats reason that as soon as NDA came to power in the state, issues like question paper leak started happening, he told the media. He alleged that a minister in Nitish Kumar cabinet was attempting to shield kingpin of the racket behind the question paper leak. Why did the state government not initiate any action in the case? he asked. Last week, economic offences unit of Bihar police had detained 270 aspirants in Jharkhands Hazaribagh district while going through answers of leaked questions before the examination.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 8:54 pm

Ex-MLC faces heat in Visakha South

Visakhapatnam : Former YSRC MLC Vamsikrishna Yadav, who quit YSRC and later joined Jana Sena is facing a strong opposition from the local party leaders in Visakha South. Jana Sena has not yet officially announced its candidate for the Visakha South constituency, yet Vamshikrishna Yadav launched his campaign from the constituency. Initially, Vamsi wanted to contest from Bhimili. However, with Telugu Desam planning to field its own candidate from there, Vamsi moved to Visakha South. His campaign has created a confusion in the ranks of TD as well as Gandi Babji left the party soon. Now, even Jana Sena leaders are furious with Vamsikrishna. They held a press conference and insisted that the Visakha South seat must not be allotted to Vamsikrishna and wanted it for local leaders. On Monday, local cooperator Mahamad Sadiq and his supporters while speaking at a press conference questioned Jana Sena party chief Pawan Kalyan. Vamsikrishna Yadav had earlier contested from Vizag East and lost by a huge margin of 50,000 votes and why is the party trying to field a failed leader from Visakah South constituency, he said.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 8:41 pm

Jana Sena Party activists from Visakhapatnam South Assembly constituency oppose possible allocation of ticket to Vamsi Krishna Srinivas Yadav

In the last 10 to 15 years he has been working in East Assembly constituency only, they say

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 8:39 pm

Naveen Patnaik writes open letter to people; assures to make Odisha No. 1 state by 2036

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday urged the people of Odisha to unite and strive towards building a stronger state ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. In an open letter written in Odia, he emphasised the importance of collective effort in shaping the future of Odisha, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to []

orissapost 18 Mar 2024 8:20 pm

Arbaaz calls Raveena Tandon an 'audience puller'

Arbaaz Khan revealed that Raveena Tandon was their top choice for Patna Shuklla, expressing delight when she eagerly accepted the role. He recounted their WhatsApp exchange for the script and praised Tandon's enthusiasm and confidence for the unconventional part. Khan discussed industry gender disparities and the evolving narrative landscape.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 8:19 pm

Manyam District to Cast First Vote in General Elections

Visakhapatnam: Newly formed Manyam district will participate in its first general elections. The district, carved out two years ago, comprises four assembly constituencies - Salur (ST), Kurupam (ST), Palakonda (ST), and Parvathipuram (SC) - all part of the Araku Lok Sabha constituency. Manyam district has two municipalities, a city panchayat, and 15 mandals, with nine being sub-plan mandals bordering Odisha. Tribal communities residing in these areas rely heavily on forest products for livelihood. The district also encompasses the disputed Manyam-Andhra Odisha Border (AOB) region, with Kothia village being Maoist-affected. Salur constituency is technically incomplete as its Mentada area falls under Vizianagaram district. Cashew cultivation is a primary source of income in Gummalakshmipuram, Kurupam, Komarada, and Saluru mandals. With a total of 7,77,733 voters across Salur (2,02,302), Kurupam (1,93,073), Parvathipuram (1,88,438), and Palakonda (1,93,920), the district administration has set up 1,031 polling stations in 736 locations. DPRO Ramesh assured all facilities are available and the administration is prepared for the first-time simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Authorities are taking preventive measures to ensure peaceful elections. They've identified and are closely monitoring sensitive polling stations. Precautions are being taken to prevent disturbances and clashes, said Ramesh. EVM awareness camps are also being held to encourage fearless voting. Previously, Saluru, Parvathipuram, and Kurupam belonged to Vizianagaram district, while Palakonda was under Srikakulam district. This election will be conducted under the leadership of Manyam district collector Nishanth Kumar, who is also the Election Returning Officer for the Araku Parliament.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 8:09 pm

TDP cant take on YSCRP despite its alliances, claims Deputy Speaker Kolagatla

Slamming the TDP for wasting thousands of crores on the pretext of developing Amaravati as the State capital, he suggests that Visakhapatnam is best suited as the capital

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 7:26 pm

Modi exposed Thalli Congress - Pilla Congress conspiracy to split anti-YSRCP votes, says BJP spokesperson

Congress and YSRCPtried to grab lands belonging to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and it would have become a reality had Prime Minister Narendra Modi not been at the helm, asserts Lanka Dinakar

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 6:38 pm

All political parties should field only locals in polls to ensure development of North Andhra, say UAV, URV leaders in Vissakhapatnam

Despite having all the inherent advantages, the region is meted out a raw deal on the issue of development and no special package is announced

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 6:19 pm

Arbaaz Khan hopes Patna Shuklla will lead to chatter about education scams

Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) Producer Arbaaz Khan has opened up on why the story of Patna Shuklla starring Raveena Tandon, is important to tell, saying it had to be told to create conversations about education scams. Patna Shuklla revolves around the uncommon journey of Tanvi Shukla (Raveena), a common woman, who takes matters into her []

bhaskarlive 18 Mar 2024 5:27 pm

Patna-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express started from today, Ayodhya-Varanasi will also have stoppage, check fare

Patna Lucknow Vande Bharat Express: Giving a big gift to the passengers going from Patna to Lucknow, Patna-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express Train has been started from today. Patna Lucknow Vande Bharat Express: The wait for the new Vande Bharat Express for passengers going from Patna to Lucknow is now over. Patna-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express Train [] The post Patna-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express started from today, Ayodhya-Varanasi will also have stoppage, check fare first appeared on informalnewz .

informalnewz 18 Mar 2024 4:22 pm

45 students from Telangana visit Bihar

HYDERABAD: Faculty members from the University of Hyderabad (UoH), along with 45 students from various districts of Telangana, will be participating in the fourth phase of Yuva Sangam, an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, which will be held in Bihar from March 17 to March 23. The programme consists of tours for students in higher educational institutions with an aim to provide an immersive experience of the host state in terms of development and other areas of progress. For this tour, Telangana has been paired with Bihar and the UoH is the nodal institute. The programme is coordinated by the UoH along with NIT Patna.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 1:24 pm

Political slugfest in Bihar over question paper leak of PSC teacher recruitment exam

PATNA: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday alleged that the question paper leak of a teacher recruitment examination conducted by PSC is proof that the state under the NDA rule is experiencing a mafia raj, which drew sharp criticism from the BJP. Deputy Chief Minister and state BJP president Samrat Chaudhary asserted that a chairman of the state public service commission (PSC) had to go to jail when the RJD was ruling the state. He, however, did not mention the name of the chairman of Bihar Public Service Commission, who had been arrested. Is he (Tejaswhi Yadav) in his senses, said Chaudhary when journalists drew his attention to the statement of the RJD leader. Yadav alleged, We conducted Teachers Recruitment Exam (TRE)-1 and TRE-2 without any incident of paper leak. We had provided teaching jobs to two lakh aspirants in 70 days, but there was no paper leak at all. But now under the NDA rule, the question paper of TRE-3 was leaked. This is because of the mafia raj. Similar incidents of question paper leaks are being reported from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the states which are ruled by the NDA, Yadav said. Reacting to the allegation, Chaudhary said, Strict action will be taken against all those who are involved in the paper leak. Those who are involved in the incident are criminals. The investigation is on. No one will be spared. There is the NDA government in the state, not of the RJD. The Bihar Police have already detained around 300 aspirants in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district in connection with the alleged question paper leak of the TRE-3 of the Bihar Public Service Commission. According to the latest statement issued by the Bihar Police, sleuths of its Economic Offence Unit conducted searches at several locations in Hazaribagh on March 14 and 15 and found that aspirants of TRE-3, who had been brought from several places in Bihar, had been supplied with question papers. On the day of the examination on March 15, candidates were supposed to leave around 3 am for their respective exam centres. They all were detained, and on the basis of the interrogation, officials managed to nab certain members of the gang involved in the paper leak, the statement said. The police had already arrested five people for allegedly being involved in the paper leak of TRE-3 and recovered question papers, computers, laptops, printers and pen drives from their possession. Further investigations have revealed that a hefty amount was charged to each candidate for providing answers to the questions, the statement said. The Bihar Public Service Commission conducted the test for recruitment of primary and middle school teachers in offline mode. Altogether 96,823 candidates had earlier cleared the teacher recruitment examination-2 (TRE-2) organised by the state PSC.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 1:08 pm

Amid alliance suspense, BJP says it has shortlisted names

Uncertainty looms over BJD-BJP alliance for Odisha elections, impacting Congress candidate announcements. Naveen Patnaik to reveal BJD candidates. Nrushingha Charan Sahu optimistic about BJD's future. Suresh Routray anticipates Congress benefits from alliance talks.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 1:01 pm

All government, political ads in Bhubaneswar to be removed within 72 hrs

BHUBANESWAR: A day after the model code of conduct (MCC) came into force for the ensuing general elections, enforcement teams of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other line departments on Sunday went on an overdrive to remove government advertisements and political hoardings that dotted the cityscape. Early in the morning, municipal workers were seen dismantling banners, posters and hoardings of various political parties and removing government advertisements. Hoardings of Jaga Mission, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana and similar schemes installed at different locations were also covered with white flexes. However, in places like Mancheswar and Jharpada etc., government advertisements were yet to be removed. Government hoardings with the chief ministers photo were also seen in some bus queue shelters and institutional premises in parts of the city. A senior BMC official monitoring the enforcement said as per the MCC norms and instructions issued to them, all advertisements related to government schemes as well as hoardings and posters of political parties will be removed from all places including private spaces in the city within 72 hours. While no scheme-related advertisements or political hoardings will be allowed to be advertised at public places till elections are over, the political parties, candidates or their well-wishers seeking to put up advertisements in the city in due course of time will require to get permission for the same from the returning officer concerned of Bhubaneswar North, Central and Ekamra constituencies, he said. CMs grievance cell closed Bhubaneswar: The grievance cell of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been closed. The chief ministers office said, As the model code is in force now, the chief ministers grievance cell will remain closed till the election process is complete.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 12:39 pm

BJD encashes Rs 944.5 crore but names no donor

BHUBANESWAR: Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the richest regional party in the country, has encashed electoral bonds worth Rs 944.5 crore in last six years between July 16, 2018 and July 15, 2023. As per the second set of SBI electoral bond data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday, BJD encashed Rs 244 crore in nine months between July 7, 2018 and April 5, 2019. During the period, the party had received 214 bonds of Rs 1 crore denomination, 299 of Rs 10 lakh denomination and 10 of Rs 1 lakh denomination. The party had submitted the bond details in a sealed cover as directed by the Supreme Court in its interim order on April 12, 2019. The bond details are believed to be pertaining to the period not made public by the poll panel in the first phase. On March 14, the ECI had publicised bond details during the period from July 20, 2019 to November 24, 2023. The Naveen Patnaik-led party redeemed electoral bonds worth Rs 213.5 crore in 2018-19, Rs 50.5 crore in 2019-20, Rs 67 crore in 2020-21, Rs 291 crore in 2021-22, Rs 152 crore in 2022-23 and Rs 170.5 crore in 2023-24 (till September 30 last year). The regional party received a total of 905 electoral bonds of Rs 1 crore denomination each, 394 of Rs 10 lakh denomination each and 10 of Rs 1 lakh denomination each during the six-year period. It encashed bonds worth Rs 354 crore during 2020-21 and 2021-22 Covid pandemic period. As per the analysis of bond details shared in two phases, the total monetary contribution that BJD got through electoral bonds stood at Rs 944.5 crore. BJD topped the chart of regional parties in terms of receiving electoral bonds as donations. It was followed by DMK, which has received bonds worth Rs 656.5 crore. BJD is the fifth highest receiver of the bonds among all the parties in the country after BJP (Rs 6,986.5 crore), TMC (Rs 1,397 crore), Congress (Rs 1,334.35 crore) and BRS (Rs 1,322 crore). Although the latest data shared by the ECI did not indicate the exact details of the companies that donated to BJD, several companies, including Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd, Utkal Alumina International Ltd, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Vedanta Ltd, Rungta Sons Pvt Ltd, Essel Mining and Industries Ltd, Grasim Industries Ltd, Thriveni Earth Movers Pvt Ltd, M/S SN Mohanty, Indrani Patnaik, Misrilall Mines Pvt Ltd, Orissa Metaliks Pvt Ltd, Shree Jagannath Steels and Power Ltd, Ramco Cements Ltd, JK Paper Ltd and Welspun Group, which are into infrastructure, mining, metal and other businesses in Odisha figure in the list of bond purchasers.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 11:54 am

Bapi Sarkhels spouse Monideepa joins BJD

BHUBANESWAR: Working president of the Paradip-Erasama Industrial Development Council Monideepa Sarkhel accompanied by vice-chairperson of Paradip municipality Chhabilata Rout and nine councillors joined the ruling BJD here on Sunday. Monideepa is the wife of Congress leader Bapi Sarkhel who has kept away from active participation in programmes of the grand old party during the last several months. However, Monideepa was formally not a part of any political party. The council is an organisation floated by Bapi Sarkhel for the industrial development of the region. He is the president of the council. Besides, seven out of nine councillors were independent. On the day, Sarkhel and Rout accompanied by hundreds of BJP and Congress workers came to BJD headquarters Sankha Bhawan here for joining the party. They were welcomed by Rajya Sabha member Manas Ranjan Mangaraj, former minister and Nayagarh MLA Arun Sahu and Paradip MLA Sambit Routray. Sahu said the newly-inducted members will further strengthen the BJD in Jagatsinghpur district, particularly Erasama and Paradip. Thanking Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik for taking them into the party fold, Monideepa said she joined the party as she was attracted by its policies and leadership. She pledged to work for the welfare of the local people under able guidance of the BJD president.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 11:53 am

BJD to delay announcement of its candidates by 15 days

BHUBANESWAR: The ruling BJD has deferred announcement of its candidates by at least a fortnight following announcement of the election dates. Sources in the party said it has enough time for announcement of candidates as the first phase of election is scheduled to start on May 13 for four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly seats. The party has decided to wait till the first list of candidates is announced by the BJP. Besides, tickets will be announced in phases. A senior leader said this will serve two purposes. First, it will check dissatisfied ticket aspirants from resigning and joining other political parties as there will be very less time left. Besides, BJD can select such candidates who can effectively challenge the BJP candidates. BJD leader Nrusingha Charan Sahu told mediapersons that there are a large number of ticket aspirants in the party for every Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies and some of them will be unhappy after not getting ticket. Some of them will join hands with the Opposition but it can be managed. Besides, there will be no rebellion in BJD as is being expected by some Opposition political party leaders after announcement of candidates, he said. Stating that BJD is always ready for elections, Sahu said the party is preparing for 2024 elections since the declaration of the 2019 election results. Naveen Patnaik will create history this time by becoming the chief minister for the sixth consecutive time, he said adding, the party will decide on the candidates at the right time. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Suresh Routray said his party will announce its tickets after BJD and BJP declare their candidates. He said if there is an alliance between BJD and BJP, Congress will win 100 Assembly seats.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 11:51 am

Uneasy calm in BJP after alliance talks with BJD keep still

BHUBANESWAR: Amid macho posturing by BJD and BJP over their preparedness for the simultaneous elections to Assembly and Lok Sabha barely after two months, leaders and workers of the two parties are still in dark about a possible pre-poll alliance. While there is uncertainty in the alliance talks after the return of the state BJP leaders from New Delhi on Thursday, Union Minister Amit Shah added to the confusion when he said at a media conclave in Delhi that he cannot throw much light on the matter as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president JP Nadda have not decided how the party should move ahead in Odisha. Will PM Modi take the final call over BJD and BJP alliance? We, though, have every reason to believe that the channel for negotiation is still open. All the top leaders of the state were present at the party headquarters here on Saturday for the core committee meeting followed by a meeting of the partys state election committee to discuss electoral strategy and prepare a list of candidates for the upcoming polls. We are expecting someone to clear the air. All of them were silent on the issue, said a senior leader of the party. Apart from state BJP president Manmohan Samal and organising secretary Manas Mohanty, Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Bishweswar Tudu, five of the eight members of Lok Sabha, national vice-president Baijayant Panda and national spokesperson Sambit Patra were present in the two meetings. CM Naveen Patnaik to meet BJD leaders on March 14 as alliance talks drag Odisha election in-charge Vijay Pal Singh Tomar who has not been acknowledging that talks on an alliance with the BJD were held and claiming so far that the BJP will fight the elections in the state alone sounded cautious on Sunday while speaking to reporters on the outcome of the marathon meeting that took place in the party office. A detailed strategy has been prepared for Odisha. We will contest in the Assembly and Lok Sabha seats with our full strength, Tomar said. While the state president of the party is trying his best to avoid the media after making a U-turn on the alliance, senior leader and Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi was measured when he spoke to reporters. BJP is a national party. The decision (regarding alliance) would be taken by the partys top leaders, was his response when asked about the contentious issue.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 11:47 am

Vande Bharat Train: Two new Vande Bharat trains started on this route, check fare and route

Vande Bharat Train: Two new Vande Bharat trains on Patna-Lucknow and Ranchi-Varanasi routes will hit the tracks on Monday i.e. today. Patna-Lucknow Vande Bharat will travel till Ayodhya and Lucknow via PDDU Nagar-Varanasi Cantt. The last stop of Ranchi-Varanasi Vande Bharat will be Cantt station. Ticket booking has started in both these trains. There are [] The post Vande Bharat Train: Two new Vande Bharat trains started on this route, check fare and route first appeared on informalnewz .

informalnewz 18 Mar 2024 11:10 am

Trial run for EFL to be conducted in Bapatla on March 18

GUNTUR: The officials of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Bapatla district administration made elaborate arrangements for the trial run for landing of aircrafts at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF), scheduled to be held on Monday from 9 am to 1 pm. The officials have already set up radars and other technical equipment to conduct the trail run successfully. Additional police personnel were deployed for security measures and to prevent commuters and nearby villagers from entering the airstrip during the trial run. Traffic restrictions will be imposed from 7.30 am to 1 pm on NH 16, informed district SP Vakul Jindal. Vehicles arriving from Vijayawada will be diverted through Addanki, and vehicles heading to Visakhapatnam, Guntur, from Ongole will be diverted through Medarametla and Renangivaram. The officials also appealed to the commuters and the nearby villagers to cooperate and plan their journey accordingly. As part of strengthening strategic security of the country, the IAF conducted the trial run successfully. Bapatla ELR is the first-of-its kind emergency facility in the southern peninsula. The Government of India had planned around 20 (Emergency Landing Runway) ELR facilities across the country, which would come up in course of time. The facility would help in case of war, floods, during NDRFs rescue operations, air dropping of relief material, transportation of the stranded people and for other emergency needs. It can be recalled that, a 4.1-km long and 60 metre wide concrete airstrip was constructed on Bapatla National Highway 16 at Pichukalagudipadu village in Korisapadu mandal of Bapatla district. A trial run for the touchdown of air crafts was conducted successfully on 29 December 2022.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 11:07 am

Agenda of Sharmila and Naidu same: Andhra Pradesh minister

VISAKHAPATNAM: Minister for IT and Industries Gudivada Amarnath on Sunday said APCC president YSR Sharmilas agenda was nothing but TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidus. He described Saturdays All India Congress Committee meeting at Ukkunagaram as All India Chandrababu Committee meeting. Speaking to mediapersons here on Sunday, he went on to say that the Congress meeting was for Chandrababu, by Chandrababu and of Chandrababu. Naidu has direct alliance with one party and indirect alliance with another party, he observed. The Congress, which destroyed AP , has no moral right to speak for it. Only the YSRC, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Union, and those who feel the steel plant as a sentiment of the people of Andhra, have got the right to fight against the Centres decision to privatise it, he asserted. The 2019 elections had proved that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is the real successor of YSR, he added.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 11:01 am

Andhra CM Jagan's YSRC withholds Anakapalle candidate, shuffles Araku nominee in strategic election move

VISAKHAPATNAM: YSRC president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who announced the party candidates for all 175 Assembly and 24 Lok Sabha constituencies at one go, has not chosen anyone for Anakapalle parliamentary segment, which surprised political circles. Similarly, the YSRC leadership has changed the candidate of Araku Lok Sabha constituency at the last minute. Earlier, the party named Paderu MLA Kotagulli Bhagya Lakshmi as the YSRC coordinator of Araku in place of sitting MP Goddeti Madhavi. In the final list, the name of Araku MLA Chetti Palgunas daughter in-law Chetti Tanuja Rani has appeared in place of Bhagya Lakshmi. With regard to Anakapalle, the YSRC seems to have come up with a new game plan. Earlier, the YSRC named Pilla Rama Kumari, sister of Visakha Dairy Chairman Adari Anand as the coordinator of Anakapalle. However, Rama Kumari is said to be uninterested in contesting from Anakalpalle. Meanwhile, it is speculated that BJP MP CM Ramesh may be fielded from Anakapalle as the saffron party candidate as part of the tripartite alliance. Hence, the YSRC leadership is said to be scouting for a strong BC candidate to take on Ramesh. It is also speculated that a senior TDP leader may join the YSRC soon and he is likely to be fielded from Anakapalle. Now, none of the sitting YSRC MPs is in the fray from Araku, Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle Lok Sabha constituencies of the erstwhile undivided Visakhapatnam district. Sitting Visakhapatnam MP MVV Satyanarayana is in the fray from Visakhapatnam East Assembly constituency. The YSRC has fielded him against three time MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu to wrest Visakhapatnam East from the TDP. Araku MP Madhavi and Anakapalle B Satyavathi are not in the fray this time. Withholding the announcement of Anakapalle Lok Sabha candidate at the last minute seems to be a new game plan of the YSRC to retain the seat, a political analyst observed.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 10:57 am

Its a flop, alliance fails to tell anything concrete to people: Former AP minister

VIJAYAWADA: Terming the Praja Galam meeting of the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance at Boppudi near Chilakaluripet in Palnadu district a big flop, minister Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) said the tripartite alliance had failed to tell the people what they would offer them if they are voted to power in the State. Nani also found fault with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not mentioning any of the unfulfilled promises like completion of Polavaram project and others during his address. Speaking to mediapersons on Sunday, Nani asked as to why TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu was now supporting Modi, whom he had opposed and abused five years back. How is Naidu, who equalled Modi to a terrorist five years back, calling the same person a Viswaguru now? Nani sought to know. On the glitches in the public address system during Modis speech, Nani questioned as to how the alliance was going to take on Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy when they could not even organise a meeting properly. In our Siddham meetings, we have told the people what we have done and why the people of the State should vote for Jagan. The alliance partners, however, have failed to tell what they will do to the State and why people should support them, Nani said. Nani also wondered as to what the Double Engine Sarkar of the TDP-BJP had done to the State in the past and why they should be voted to power again. Nani further said neither Modi, Naidu or Pawan Kalyan could tell whether they would give Special Category Status or not. Nani also questioned Pawan Kalyan as to why he did not raise the issue of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation at the meeting. The former minister also made light of Modis comments that the YSRC and the Congress are one. Not just the BJP, even TDP activists would believe such remarks. In fact, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in AP and Telangana is nothing but All India Chandrababu Committee, he observed. Nani reminded that Modi himself had alleged that Naidu had used Polavaram project as an ATM and also announced that a probe would be ordered into the alleged scam in Amaravati and others. Why did not the BJP government order a probe into the alleged irregularities in construction of Polavaram. How did Naidu come out clean now on Polavaram issue? Nani questioned.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 10:43 am

Bihar NDA, grand alliance scramble to finalise seats

PATNA: Bihars National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Grand Alliance (GA) are striving hard to finalise the seat-sharing arrangements for the Lok Sabha elections. Chief minister Nitish Kumar held discussions with former JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha on Sunday to finalise the partys seat-sharing formula and discuss about candidates. Which party will contest how many seats and also on which seats would be made public soon, Jha said. NDA in Bihar comprises BJP, JD (U), Chirag Paswans LJP (Ram Vilas), union minister Pashupati Kumar Parass Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), former CM Jitan Ram Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and former union minister Upendra Kushwahas Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). Sources claimed that BJP would contest on 17 seats, JD (U) on 16 seats, LJP (Ram Vilas) on five and HAM and RLM on one each. RLJP has been offered a Rajya Sabha seat and a cabinet berth in Nitish government. In 2019, NDA won 39 out of the states 40 Lok Sabha seats. While BJP had won 17 seats, JD(U) 16 and united LJP six. This time NDA is facing a standoff between Paras and his nephew Chirag over Hajipur seat. Paras has expressed his displeasure over Chirag being given preference in the NDA, saying his partys options were open if not given due respect in seat-sharing. The RJD and Congress, two major constituents of GA, will hold a meeting in Delhi on Monday to finalise a seat-sharing deal. GA comprises RJD, Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, and CPM . NDA will win all 40 LS seats in Bihar under PM Narendra Modi's leadership: Nitish Kumar Sources claimed RJD would contest on 28 seats, Congress on nine, CPI-ML on two and CPI on one. In 2029, only Congress had won Kishanganj seat. Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said Bihar would spring a surprise in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. There is an undercurrent in favour of Grand Alliance in Bihar, he said. NDA faces standoff between Paras and Chirag NDA is facing a standoff between Paras and his nephew Chirag over Hajipur seat. Paras has expressed his displeasure over Chirag being given preference in the NDA, saying his partys options were open if not given due respect in seat-sharing.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 10:07 am

Seven killed, four injured in road accident in Bihars Khagaria

Patna, March 18 (IANS) Seven persons including three children were killed and four others have been injured after a speeding tractor laden with cement rammed into an SUV in Bihars Khagaria district, on Monday morning. The accident occurred at Vidya Ratan fuel station located at NH 31 under Pasraha police station in the district, at []

bhaskarlive 18 Mar 2024 9:53 am

Mystery donations: TMC and JD(U) claim electoral bonds left anonymously at their offices

Both the Trinamool Congress and JD(U), in their disclosures regarding electoral bonds for the fiscal year 2018-19, claimed that unidentified individuals had delivered sealed envelopes to their respective offices in Kolkata and Patna. Consequently, they asserted their lack of awareness regarding the identities of the donors.

The Economic Times 18 Mar 2024 9:20 am

Madhepura admin bidto curb misinformation

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:11 am

Man held for bid to kill minor daughter

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:11 am

Section 144 in place; posters, flags go off roads

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:11 am

PMC commissioner: Unclog all drains before monsoon

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:11 am

Maoists threaten JD(U) neta, 6 others

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:10 am

1kg silver, cash looted from jewellery shop

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:10 am

Expect light rain in parts of state in 48 hours: Met

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:10 am

Focus on interactive exhibits at science city

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:10 am

Woman strangled by in-laws over dowry

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:10 am

TRE paper leak: Pregnantwomen among 313 jailed

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:09 am

Police detain over 270 aspirants in connection with alleged paper leak of TRE

PATNA, Mar 17: The Economic Offences unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has detained over 270 aspirants in Jharkhands Hazaribagh district in connection with an alleged paper leak of Bihar Public Service Commissions (BPSC) Teachers Recruitment Exam (TRE)-3. According to a statement issued by the EOU here on Saturday, acting on a tip-off units sleuths conducted searches at several locations in Hazaribagh on March 14 and 15 and found that aspirants of TRE-3, who had been brought from several places in [] The post Police detain over 270 aspirants in connection with alleged paper leak of TRE appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 18 Mar 2024 5:00 am

313 arrested for Bihar teacher recruitment exam paper leak

he Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has apprehended 313 individuals in relation to the alleged question paper leak during the Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) teacher recruitment examination (TRE) 3.0 held on March 15. Following their arrest, a Patna civil court has placed all the suspects in judicial custody, with 266 of them, including 88 women, being housed at Beur Central Jail.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 2:49 am

Gajuwaka Will be my Gift to CM, Says Minister Amarnath

Visakhapatnam: Industries minister Gudivada Amarnath declared that he will win from Gajuwaka assembly constituency with a huge margin and give it as a gift to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Launching his campaign in the constituency on Sunday, Amarnath emphasised on the need for unity and hard work to secure success in the polls. The minister pledged to provide suitable positions to those who have dedicatedly served the party for the past 15 years. He highlighted the importance of recognising their efforts. If all party ranks work together, no force can hinder our path to success, he declared. Revealing insights into the political dynamics behind his candidacy, Amarnath expressed gratitude to Jagan Mohan Reddy for entrusting him with the responsibility of contesting from Gajuwaka constituency. He stressed the historical significance of Jagan Mohan Reddy's leadership, asserting that victory in this election was essential for the state's progress. Acknowledging the support of local leaders, Amarnath praised the contributions of sitting MLA Tippala Nagireddy. He highlighted the political legacy of families like Gudivada and Tippala, emphasizing their long-standing commitment to the party's cause. Former MLA Tippala Gurumurthy Reddy echoed Amarnath's sentiments, urging the Chief Minister to extend benefits to every family and ensure the success of YSR Congress Party candidates. He emphasized Amarnath's close association with the Chief Minister and predicted development of the constituency under his leadership. Senior party leader Tippala Devan Reddy spoke on the importance of unity within the party ranks, urging members to work tirelessly for the party's success. The gathering included key party figures and supporters, such as ward in-charges, corporators and union leaders, all expressing their solidarity in their mission of securing victory for the YSRC in Gajuwaka constituency.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 12:40 am

Congress Gates are Open Now, Declares Revanth

Hyderabad: The BRS received double jolt as Chevella MP Ranjith Reddy and Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender quit the party to join the Congress. They were welcomed into the Congress by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in the presence of Deepa Das Munshi, the incharge of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee affairs on Sunday. It is speculated that Vem Narender Reddy, the adviser to the state government, and Dr C. Rohin Reddy, who lost in the recent Assembly election from the Amberpet constituency, played a key role in bringing Ranjith Reddy and Danam Nagender to the Congress fold. The Congress is likely to field sitting Ranjith Reddy from the Chevella Lok Sabha constituency, Danam Nagender from Secunderabad constituency and Patnam Sunitha, the ZPTC chairman of Ranga Reddy district and wife of Patnam Mahender Reddy, from the Malkajgiri constituency in the Lok Sabha polls. Speaking at a Meet the Media programme organised by the Telangana State Union of Working Journalists, the Chief Minister said the party has decided to welcome the leaders of other parties by opening its doors. The party made a conscious decision to focus on the administration in the last 100 days. Pointing fingers at the BRS and the BJP for their provocative statements to destabilise the government, Revanth Reddy said he will not allow the sinister designs of the opposition to trouble his government. The Congress government spent all its energies in the last 100 days to streamline the administration to reach out to the masses. But the Opposition is trying to create trouble for a democratically-elected government. Since the Election Commission has come out with notification for the Lok Sabha polls, I will now take up the role of the TPCC president to ensure that the entire opposition is wiped out from the state, he said. Giving a detailed presentation on how the BRS government acted with a colonial mindset and wiped out the symbols of democracy, Revanth Reddy compared the armed struggle which liberated Telangana on September 17, 1948, from the dictatorial Nizam rule and the December 3 Assembly election results, which liberated Telangana people from the dictatorial rule of `KCR family government. As former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao ruled like a dictator, the Chief Minister said the BRS chief first attacked the culture of the state by designing Telangana Talli not in its true spirit, but to imprint his colonial influence on the public. The state emblem is also not having any freedom spirit, but had many elements of colonial rule. Similarly, the number plate was registered as TS instead of TG, Revanth Reddy pointed out by adding that the Congress government will restore them in their true democratic spirit and in tune with the culture of Telangana. KCR acted like a new Nizam, he said. The poets and artistes have been forced to praise KCR and his family. The BRS government restricted people movement in Pragathi Bhavan, Secretariat and removed Dharna Chowk. The Congress, after coming to power, restored all these places for the free movement of the public, he said. To a question whether the government will continue celebrating Bathukamma festival, Revanth Reddy asked the reporter if he is getting this doubt because amma (Kavitha) is not around. They have celebrated Bathukamma festival with plastic flowers, he pointed out. To another question, Revanth Reddy clarified that the Information Commissioners would be appointed after the Model code of Conduct ends after the Lok Sabha polls. When asked about his reaction to BSP leader R.S. Praveen Kumars intent to join the BRS, Revanth Reddy said he has high regard for him and had even offered him the post of the Public Service Commission chairman, but he refused. KCR always plays smart like Vali, the king of Kishkindha in Ramayana, and takes half the energy of the enemy. The move to include Praveen Kumar into his party is such a ploy of KCR, he said.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 12:04 am

Adivasi Committee Opposes Kothapalli Geethas Candidature

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Adivasi Joint Action Committee has warned that if former MP Kothapalli Geetha is given the Araku Lok Sabha ticket in the upcoming elections, the committee will work towards defeating Geetha. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, committees district convener Rama Rao Dora accused Geetha of consistently working against the interests of Adivasis. Maoists in the agency area also have previously put up posters accusing her of facilitating bauxite mining. Dora said on March 13, the committee wrote letters to BJP president J.P. Nadda and union home minister Amit Shah not to give the BJP ticket from Araku Lok Sabha to Geetha saying we are not ready to accept a non-tribal as our MP. The committee convener explained that in 2014, Geetha had filed her nomination from Araku Lok Sabha constituency as YSRC candidate and won the elections. In 2016, a petition had been filed against her claiming that she does not belong to the ST community. In June 2019, through BJP leader Ram Madhav, Geetha met Amit Shah and joined the BJP. Now, for the upcoming elections, BJP high command is planning to field her from the Araku Lok Sabha constituency. Rama Rao Dora said, This time, we are very firm that we will not tolerate a non-Adivasi candidate. How can she contest from a seat reserved for the ST community, he asked. The Adivasi leader said an investigation committee had been formed to probe whether she belongs to a scheduled tribe. The district magistrate had then stated that Geetha did not belong to ST community. How can we make her victorious? We want an Adivasi candidate who will speak for the region, he maintained. The committee convener maintained that they will also fight against Jana Sena and Telugu Desam if Geetha is fielded from the Araku Lok Sabha seat.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Mar 2024 9:24 pm

Traffic Curbs Today for Trial Landing of IAF jet on NH-16 in Bapatla District

Vijayawada: In view of the trial emergency landing of an IAF fighter jet on the national highway (NH) number 16 at Pichikala Gudipadu under Korishapadu mandal in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh, on Monday , the traffic curbs on vehicles and route diversion have been put in place between 9am and 1pm. Elaborating on traffic restrictions and route diversion, Bapatla SP Vakul Jindal said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) officials will conduct an aircraft landing exercise on trail basis on Monday (March 18), on the 4.1 km Emergency Landing Facility (stretch). The emergency landing strip has been constructed at Pichikala Gudipadu in Korishapadu mandal on the national highway number (NH-16) for facilitating landing of IAF fighter jets during emergency situation. A large contingent of police force comprising 528 policemen will be deputed on the highway on March 18 between 9:00am and 1:00pm for regulating the movement of vehicular traffic and route diversion. The vehicular traffic on the national highway (NH-16) will be diverted from 7:30am to 1:00pm. Vehicles going towards Ongole, Nellore and Chennai from Guntur side will be diverted from Renangivaram Junction. The vehicles will rejoin the highway (NH-16) at Medarametla via taking the route of Naam highway in Addanki town. Similarly, vehicles moving towards Chilakaluripet, Guntur, Visakhapatnam from Ongole side will be diverted from Medarametla and after taking the Naam highway, the vehicular traffic will rejoin the NH-16 at Renangivaram Junction in Addanki Town. Heavy commercial vehicles on way to Guntur and Visakhapatnam from Ongole side will be stopped at the Medarametla Holding Point on NH-16. The SP stated that the heavy commercial vehicles from Guntur and moving towards Ongole and Chennai, will be stopped at the Martur (Rajupalem) Holding Point on NH-16. The SP also appealed to the motorists and road users to follow traffic curbs on NH-16 and also cooperate with the traffic police in implementing the traffic regulations.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Mar 2024 9:12 pm

Anakapalli Collector Orders Removal of All Political Paraphernalia

Officials remove political banners and hoardings in line with the election code, on Sunday. (Image DC) Officials remove political banners and hoardings in line with the election code, on Sunday. (Image DC) Visakhapatnam: With the Election Commission of India (ECI) announcing the election schedule, Anakapalli collector Ravi Pattan Shetty on Sunday ordered removal of all political paraphernalia, such as portraits and posters of political leaders, from government premises. Further, unauthorised political advertisements and images on government infrastructure and public transport must be removed within 13 hours. The collector made the announcements at a press conference in the district collectorate, attended by SP K.V. Muralikrishna, additional SP Vijay Bhaskar, district revenue officer Dayanidhi, and Media Certification and Monitoring Committee nodal officer Lakshmi, among others. Providing insights, Ravi Shetty said the district has 4,782 ballot units, 3,913 control units, and 4,594 AV plates, along with a buffer stock. There are 1,829 main polling centres, with ARVs (assistant returning officers) appointed for the six constituencies and one parliamentary seat. The collector said as on January 16, 2024, Anakapalli district has 6,21,996 male voters; 4,56,156 female voters, and 27 transgender voters. He underlined that to ensure smooth conduct of elections, a Command Control Room has been established at the District Collectorate to monitor the electoral process and offer immediate assistance. Ravi Shetty said political parties and candidates must adhere to the campaign timings of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be strict penalties for non-compliance.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Mar 2024 9:06 pm

Microplastics may pose a risk to the Indo-Gangetic plain: Study

Microplastics may pose a risk to the Indo-Gangetic plain: Study Polymers in microplastics may pose a risk to the Indo-Gangetic plain, a study on rivers Ganga and Yamuna by the Goa-based CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography has concluded. The study titled 'A comprehensive assessment of macro and microplastics from Rivers Ganga and Yamuna: Unveiling the seasonal, spatial and risk factors', has been published in the 'Journal of Hazardous Materials'. The researchers behind the study have said that their findings could serve as a starting point for the action plan required by municipal corporations to tackle plastic pollution and target the possible sources. As per the study, conducted by a team led by Dr Mahua Saha, Principal Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), microplastics were detected in Ganga from Haridwar to Patna, with the concentration of the pollutant being higher during the wet (rainy) season than the dry season. The high-hazard polymers in microplastics may pose a risk to the Indo-Gangetic plain, it said. Microplastics are extremely small pieces of plastic debris in the environment resulting from the disposal and breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste. The researchers have found that in surface water, during the wet season, the highest abundance of microplastics was found in Haridwar and the lowest was observed in Patna. During the dry season, Agra had the highest affluence of microplastics, while Patna and Haridwar had the lowest concentration. The study findings could serve as a starting point for the action plan required by municipal corporations to mitigate plastic pollution and target the possible sources at each location, said the researchers. During the study, the researchers also identified the plastic leakage vulnerable regions using GIS applications and field surveys. Among all, Agra recorded the highest plastic leakage followed by Prayagraj, Patna, and Haridwar. In contrast, the microplastic concentration was highest during the wet season compared to the dry season for surface water, water column, and sediments, it said. The researchers have concluded that the microplastic abundance in surface water, water columns, and sediments along the Ganga and Yamuna rivers differed evidently during the wet and dry seasons. During the study, it was observed that significant waste was brought by the river from the upstream cities in the dry season and was deposited in the floodplain region. These wastes get washed off during the wet season. As a result, it is conceivable that over time, these macroplastics might have degraded into smaller pieces and subsequently transported into the adjacent river systems by urban runoff during the wet season, said the study. The study also confirms that the dispersion of microplastics is not limited to localized areas in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. However, it is challenging to distinguish the exact incorporation of microplastics between locally generated plastics and those carried from upstream sources since many rivers pass through the residential areas and due to the lack of awareness sometimes local deposition of plastics into the river is much higher, the researchers have said. The other researchers involved in the study included Priyansha Gupta, Akshata Naik, M Manish Kumar, Chaynika Rathore, Shrish Vashisth from CSIR-NIO and Shukla Pai Maitra, K D Bharadwaj and Harsh Thakural from the Delhi-based National Productivity Council.

devdiscourse 17 Mar 2024 9:03 pm

YSRC Promises Special Manifesto for Nellore's Development

The complaint was lodged by Rajya Sabha member and YSRC leader V. Vijayasai Reddy, alleging that Telugu Desam leaders and cadre threw stones at his convoy. (Image: Twitter/VSReddy_MP) The complaint was lodged by Rajya Sabha member and YSRC leader V. Vijayasai Reddy, alleging that Telugu Desam leaders and cadre threw stones at his convoy. (Image: Twitter/VSReddy_MP) Tirupati : YSRC candidate from Nellore, V. Vijayasai Reddy, has announced that the party is preparing a special manifesto outlining plans for the comprehensive development of Nellore and its assembly constituencies. Addressing a gathering in Nellore, the YSRCs Rajya Sabha member unveiled several proposals intended to transform the region's infrastructure and economic prospects. Notably, the manifesto will include provisions for an outer ring road, a new airport, and the state-of-the-art sports complex for Nellore. Vijayasai Reddy emphasised the party's commitment to develop Nellore as role model after taking successful examples from across the country. Some states and constituencies are emerging as models of progress, and we are formulating special plans to develop the Nellore parliamentary constituency along the similar lines, he stated. A key aspect of these plans is the parallel development of Ramayapatnam port alongside the existing Krishnapatnam port, complemented by a robust and efficient airport to facilitate cargo transportation. Reddy expressed confidence that these initiatives would propel the district towards higher per capita income levels. Furthermore, the YSRC leader has proposed measures to enhance the region's greenery by providing dedicated water facilities for trees lining the roads throughout the year. Exuding confidence in the party's prospects, Vijayasai Reddy asserted that the collective efforts of MLAs, MLCs, ZPTCs, and MPPs in the Nellore parliamentary constituency would secure victories across all seats in the forthcoming elections. He warned against criticism from within the party ranks, stating that such actions would not be forgiven by the people. Reiterating the YSRC's commitment to securing Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, Vijayasai Reddy accused former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of causing grave injustice to the state by seeking a package instead of the promised special status. On the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he acknowledged the existence of certain issues and stated that he, along with fellow MP Midhun Reddy, would discuss its implementation on behalf of the party. He vowed to fight for amending bills in the Lok Sabha to provide assistance to those facing violence.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Mar 2024 8:42 pm

Patna students excel inThe HinduYoung World painting contest

Children showcased their talent and creativity through painting

The Hindu 17 Mar 2024 7:34 pm

NDA won big in Bihar in 2019, 5 yrs later, areas south of Ganges, pockets in north pose challenge

NDA won big in Bihar in 2019, 5 yrs later, areas south of Ganges, pockets in north pose challenge Having battered the opposition five years ago, the ruling NDA in Bihar has made a rather optimistic claim of bagging all 40 Lok Sabha seats, though about a quarter of these, where its performance was less than spectacular, could be a cause for concern. In the ''Modi Tsunami'' of 2019, when the state had lost two sons of its soil in the dastardly Pulwama terror attack, the BJP, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and late Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party had together notched up 39 seats, with a vote share of more than 53 per cent, a nearly 20 per cent edge over the 'Mahagathbandhan'. However, buried beneath the dazzling statistics is the fact that in at least six seats, the victory margin was less than one lakh votes, and four of these fall in the area south of the Ganges. In Jehanabad, which JD(U)'s Chandeshwar Prasad Chandravanshi managed to win, the margin was a wafer-thin of 1,751 votes. The runner-up was Surendra Prasad Yadav, an RJD leader who had formerly represented the seat. His party then had an alliance, among others, with Hindustani Awam Morcha of Jitan Ram Manjhi and former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha who merged his Rashtriya Lok Samata Party with JD(U) a year later, only to fall apart again and float Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Both Manjhi and Kushwaha are now BJP allies though the NDA ill-affords to rest assured on this account. This is, in no small measure, because of the fact that the RJD has now stitched an alliance with the CPI(ML) Liberation, its once bitter rival, and the two parties fared extremely well in the assembly polls in Jehanabad and adjoining areas, which used to remain in headlines a few decades ago for the bloody battles between ultra-Left guerillas and private militia of landlords. In the 2020 assembly polls, the RJD-CPI(ML) combine grabbed all the seats that fall under Jehanabad Lok Sabha constituency, three of these falling in the eponymous district, two in Arwal and one in Gaya. No wonder, both the NDA and the 'Mahagathbandhan' are wracking their brains, trying to decide which party be given the seat this time and who be named the candidate. A tightly fought battle is also expected in Pataliputra, which adjoins Patna Sahib, but unlike the latter which is a largely urban constituency with a pronounced pro-BJP leaning, seems vulnerable. In 2019, former Union minister Ram Kripal Yadav, who had joined BJP five years earlier following disillusionment with his ex-mentor Lalu Prasad, managed to defeat the RJD supremo's daughter Misa Bharti for the second consecutive time. However, the less-than-impressive margin of 39,321 votes was proof that it was a hard-won victory and the NDA simply could not hold its own in the assembly polls held a year and a half later. The troika of RJD, CPI(ML) Liberation and Congress grabbed all the six seats in rural Patna that form Patliputra constituency, demonstrating what may be in store for the future. The 'Mahagathbandhan' also made a clean sweep in the assembly polls in seats falling under Aurangabad and Karakat Lok Sabha constituencies, both of which the NDA has been winning since the 2009 parliamentary elections. Two other south Bihar seats, which the BJP had won comfortably in 2019 but where voters got swayed by the Mahagathbandhan in 2020 are Arrah, represented by Union minister R K Singh, and Sasaram, a reserved constituency which was the bastion of former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram whose daughter Meira Kumar won it till as recently as 2009. North of the Ganges, the NDA may need extra efforts in Kishanganj, the only seat it lost, and Katihar, where former Union minister Tariq Anwar put up a spirited fight, less than a year after returning to the Congress. The NDA had lost Kishanganj, the only seat where Muslims are more than 50 per cent of the electorate, by a margin of under 40,000 votes. The 'Mahagathbandhan' continues to allege that Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM had fielded a candidate to cut into the votes polled by the Congress. However, an unfazed AIMIM has declared that it intends to contest 11 seats this time, including Kishanganj, where the BJP-led coalition has an obvious disadvantage, and Katihar, which the JD(U) candidate Dulal Chandra Goswami won by nearly 57,000 votes, but where Congress and CPI(ML) have performed well in assembly polls. One seat, which may be very tightly fought despite the NDA having won comfortably in 2019, is Hajipur, about which the BJP is yet to make up its mind about whom to back, sitting MP Pashupati Kumar Paras or his nephew Chirag Paswan. The uncle and the nephew head splinter groups of late Paswan's party and whoever is not backed by the NDA is certain to turn against the coalition this time, much to the delight of 'Mahagathbandhan', given the fact that four, out of six assembly seats there, were notched up by RJD and Congress in the 2020 Vidhan Sabha polls. The NDA also faces a tough challenge in Chhapra, Siwan and Maharajganj Lok Sabha seats, where it suffered major reverses in the assembly polls.

devdiscourse 17 Mar 2024 7:18 pm

YSRC holds back Anakapalli LS candidate for strategic reasons

Sources said Rama Devi opted out of the race claiming that she would be focusing on campaigning for her younger brother Adari Anand, who is contesting from Visakhapatnam West

Deccan Chronicle 17 Mar 2024 7:07 pm

Theres an undercurrent in favour of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar: Tejashwi

Patna:RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said there is an undercurrent in Bihar which will lead to astonishing results in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Speaking to reporters, Yadav emphasised that the outcome of the polls will favour the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance), indicating a strong wave against the NDA (National Democratic Alliance). Yadav highlighted the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 17 Mar 2024 7:05 pm

NIA files supplementary charge sheet against one more accused in PFI Patna case

NIA files supplementary charge sheet against one more accused in PFI Patna case The National Investigation Agency has filed a supplementary charge sheet against one more accused in a case related to unlawful and anti-national activities of the banned Popular Front of India in Bihar's capital Patna, an official said on Sunday. State vice president of PFI Mohd Reyaz Moarif alias Bablu has been charge-sheeted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, raising the total number of accused to be charge-sheeted in the case to 17, a spokesperson of the federal agency said. The official said the case was initially registered in July 2022 under various sections of IPC against 26 people. So far 40 people have been found involved in the proscribed outfit's criminal conspiracy to wage a war against the Government of India. Investigations have revealed that Moarif was engaged in unlawful and anti-national activities under the banner of Popular Front of India (PFI) even after the organisation was banned by the Union government, the spokesperson said. The official said the accused was actively radicalising Muslim youth to join the PFI, organising weapons training for them and also collecting funds for furthering the banned outfit's violent agenda and activities. Acting on directions from top PFI leadership, Moarif, in association with accused Sanaullah, Athar Parvez and Jalaluddin Khan, had arranged a rented accommodation at Ahmad Palace in Patna's Phulwarisharif for recruitment, training and other criminal activities of PFI cadres on a large scale, the spokesperson said. Along with the co-accused, the NIA said Moarif had organised several arms training camps for PFI cadres in Bihar, including at Ahmad Palace. The spokesperson said the NIA had seized from the accused the PFI Vision document 'India 2047 Towards Rule of Islam in India, Internal Document: Not for circulation' and other incriminating articles, exposing the organisation's larger conspiracy to achieve its goal of establishing the 'Rule of Islam in India'.

devdiscourse 17 Mar 2024 6:08 pm

Western belt farmers hold key to success in Odishas twin polls

Western belt farmers hold key to success in Odishas twin polls With the Election Commission of India (ECI) unveiling the dates for the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly elections, the spotlight shifts to farmers of the western region, whose votes hold significant sway over at least five parliamentary constituencies and 35 Vidhan Sabha seats. In Odisha, which comprises 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 Assembly segments, elections are scheduled to be held in four phases on May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Historically, the farmers of the western region, once a stronghold of the Congress, have wielded considerable electoral influence by voting en masse. In the 2019 general elections, all five western Odisha Lok Sabha seats were secured by the opposition BJP, while the ruling BJD, led by Naveen Patnaik, failed to secure a single seat in this agriculturally rich region, often referred to as the ''Anna datas'' (providers of food) region, with areas like Bargarh and Kalahandi being prominent rice-producing hubs. Out of the eight seats won by the BJP in the state in 2019, the party secured victories in all five Lok Sabha seats in the western region, including Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, and Sundergarh. The remaining three seats were won in northern Odisha's Balasore and Mayurbhanj, as well as the coastal belt's Bhubaneswar. However, despite the BJP's success in the Lok Sabha elections, the people of the region predominantly favoured Naveen Patnaik's BJD in the assembly polls. Out of the 35 assembly segments within these five western LS constituencies, BJP candidates only managed to secure victories in eight, with the majority going in favour of the BJD. The Congress also secured victories in three assembly segments in the western region. Recognising the significance of farmers in the western region and aiming to regain their support, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has promised various agricultural incentives in its recently released election manifesto. These include farm loan waivers, a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 3,000 per quintal of paddy, pensions for farmers, allowances for agricultural workers, complete GST withdrawal on agricultural products, among others. Sarat Patnayak, president of OPCC, emphasised the importance of farmers in the rural economy and pledged support to them if the Congress comes to power after the 2024 elections. ''Farmers are the backbone of rural economy and the Congress will do everything possible for the Anna Datas if it comes to power after 2024 elections,'' Patnayak, who also hails from Bolangir district, a part of the western region, said. On the other hand, the ruling BJD, which has governed the state since 2000, has not yet released its election manifesto but claims to have implemented several schemes for the welfare of farmers. Notably, initiatives like the Indravati Irrigation project and the recently launched Lower Suktel irrigation project aim to benefit farmers in regions like Kalahandi and Bolangir. Additionally, the BJD government has undertaken significant water infrastructure projects in various districts, further emphasising its commitment to agricultural development. The BJP, meanwhile, has been appealing to farmers in the region through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, particularly crucial for the drought-prone KBK (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput) region. Pradip Purohit, a BJP leader and former MLA, asserted that the farmers of the western region strongly support the saffron party, citing confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite agriculture being the primary livelihood for 70 per cent of the state's population, farmers in western Odisha have been notably organised in articulating their concerns to the government, unlike their counterparts in other parts of the state. While the BJD has a stronghold in coastal and central Odisha, winning 12 Lok Sabha seats in 2019, the BJP and Congress have also secured victories in different regions, indicating a three-way competition as the election dates approach, with all parties vying for the support of the crucial farming community.

devdiscourse 17 Mar 2024 5:23 pm

NIA Chargesheets One More in PFI Patna Case, Taking Total Chargesheeted Accused to 17

The accused was actively radicalising Muslim youth to join the PFI. He also organised weapons training for them

News18 17 Mar 2024 3:42 pm

Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express Train Service Begins

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express train service began today from the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. As per official sources, the train service will be available on all days, except Mondays. According to the schedule, the train will leave Bhubaneswar at 5.15 am and reach Visakhapatnam at 11 am. In the return direction, it will leave [] The post Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express Train Service Begins appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Pragativadi 17 Mar 2024 2:08 pm

Patna Shuklla: Vivek Budakoti, Anushka Kaushik call men taking all important decisions at home a 'sad thing' | Exclusive

Vivek Budkoti and Anushka Kaushik opened up about the men taking all important decisions in our society and said it needs to be changed.

DNA India 17 Mar 2024 1:44 pm

Petrol costliest in Andhra Pradesh & Kerala; BJP-ruled MP, Bihar close behind

Petrol costliest in Andhra Pradesh & Kerala; BJP-ruled MP, Bihar close behind Petrol and diesel prices are the costliest in the country in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala while it is cheapest in smaller states and UTs like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Delhi and those in the North East, mainly due to differential in local sales tax or VAT rates, oil industry data showed. The three state-owned fuel retailers - Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) - last week cut petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2 a litre each, ending a nearly two-year hiatus in price revision. That reduction brought relief to fuel users but rates continue to be above Rs 100 a litre mark in some states due to higher Value Added Tax (VAT). Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP-ruled Andhra Pradesh has the costliest petrol at Rs 109.87 a litre, followed by Left Democratic Front (LDF)-ruled Kerala, where a litre of petrol comes for Rs 107.54. Congress-run Telangana is close behind with petrol costing Rs 107.39 a litre. BJP-ruled states are not far behind - petrol costs Rs 106.45 a litre in Bhopal, Rs 105.16 in Patna (BJP in coalition with JD-U), Rs 104.86 in Jaipur and Rs 104.19 in Mumbai. Mamata Banerjee's TMC-ruled West Bengal has petrol priced at Rs 103.93 a litre. Other states with over Rs 100-a-litre petrol are Odisha (Rs 101.04 a litre in Bhubaneswar), Tamil Nadu (Rs 100.73 in Chennai), and Chattisgarh (Rs 100.37 in Raipur), industry pricing data showed. Petrol is the cheapest in Andaman & Nicobar Island where it comes for Rs 82 a litre, followed by Silvassa and Daman where it comes for Rs 92.38-92.49 a litre. Other smaller states too have local VAT, leading to cheaper petrol - Delhi (Rs 94.76 a litre), Panaji (Rs 95.19), Aizawl (Rs 93.68), and Guwahati (Rs 96.12). Most North Eastern states are among the lower-end of the petrol price band. Diesel prices have almost a similar story with Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh selling the fuel at Rs 97.6 a litre, followed by Rs 96.41 a litre in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, Rs 95.63 in Hyderabad and Rs 93.31 in Raipur. The fuel is in the Rs 92-93 a litre range in BJP-ruled sales of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Bihar. It is also in that range in Odisha and Jharkhand. Diesel is the cheapest in Andaman & Nicobar Island where it comes for about Rs 78 a litre. Delhi - which has the lowest VAT among metro cities - has diesel priced at Rs 87.66 a litre, while in Goa it costs Rs 87.76 per litre. Commenting on the price cut, Goldman Sachs said the net marketing margin of the three oil marketing companies will decline to Rs 08-09 a litre from Rs 1.7-2.7 a litre. Morgan Stanley said the price cut ''should finally remove a key overhang for fuel retailers''. ''The Rs 2 per liter price cut (our estimate was for Rs 2-3 a litre) brings India's fuel basket to USD 85 per barrel Brent crude (i.e. breakeven fuel marketing profitability at this crude price). However, the implied integrated fuel margins for retailers will average 30 per cent above mid-cycle considering the strength in refinery margins,'' it said. JP Morgan said the effect of the reduction is equivalent to about a USD 3.5 a barrel increase in crude oil prices. ''Although small on headline, a Rs 2 per liter cut will reduce oil marketing companies' revenue / EBITDA by about Rs 30,000 crore annualized.'' A retail price cut, it said, was expected as the three companies had become highly profitable in the last three quarters, and ahead of general elections due in a few weeks. ''That prices have been cut one-time, and without any signal that pricing goes back to being crude linked (with periodical revisions) can be seen as a negative for these businesses, in our view. Yet, the price cut is relatively modest and seems unlikely to be followed by more (at least near term) - crystallizing the risk for these companies.'' Emkay Global Financial Services said the price cut translates to a reduction of Rs 1.6-1.7 a litre in gross marketing margins. ''In our view, this cut will be effective for next 2-2.5 months and once national elections are over, we would return to a normalized margin scenario. Deepening deregulation with resumption of daily pricing should likely pass any USD 5-10 a barrel movement in oil prices.''

devdiscourse 17 Mar 2024 12:08 pm

Neglect of freedom fighters' memorials in Visakhapatnam sparks outrage

VISAKHAPATNAM: The memorial areas housing the graves of freedom fighters Alluri Sitarama Raju and Gantam Dora in Alluri Sitarama Raju district have fallen into a dilapidated state, drawing criticism from the local residents. Padala Veerabhadra Rao, the founder president of Alluri Sitarama Raju Yuvajana Sangham, highlighted the neglect by authorities over the past five years, citing blown-away slabs and deteriorating tourist sheds. Despite an official declaration of Rs 1.1 crore for restoration, no funds have been allocated, indicating a lack of regard for the regions freedom fighters, he said and called on the government to address basic amenities such as drinking water for tourists. He also expressed disappointment in Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddys apparent inaction, despite reports from the tourism department for a memorial park. Rao warned that continued neglect of Alluri Park could have repercussions in future elections. Alluri Sitarama Raju Yuvajana Sangham secretary Ambati Varahana Raju, along with working group members and Gantam Doras family members, were present.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 11:27 am