BJP govt will reduce everything to zero before its exit, says Akhilesh
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday accused BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and at the Centre of not delivering on their promises and alleged that the party was repackaging old schemes with new names to mislead the public. Before they become zero themselves, everything around them is turning into zero, Yadav said in 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 .
BJP government will reduce everything to 'zero' before its exit: Akhilesh Yadav
LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday accused BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and at the Centre of not delivering on their promises and alleged that the party was repackaging old schemes with new names to mislead the public. Before they become zero themselves, everything around them is turning into zero, Yadav said in a swipe at the BJP in a post on X. Just like their 'zero tolerance' has become zero, the slogan of 'zero poverty' will also turn out to be a BJP-style jumla, the former chief minister said. India gave the world the concept of zero in mathematics, ot for distributing lies among people, he added. - , , pic.twitter.com/WPa8HqwVF4 Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) April 15, 2025 Poverty is eradicated through actions, not words. And when it comes to action, the BJP government stands at zero, Yadav said, claiming that the government will leave everything in a state of shunya (zero) before its exit. He also criticised the BJP for renaming rural development schemes. They may continue their old tradition of deceit by renaming schemes like Ambedkar Village and Lohia Village, and presenting them in new formats but they have nothing original to offer, he added. Yadav called on the BJP to fulfil its promises. Before making new promises, they should transfer Rs 15 lakh into people's bank accounts, visit the adopted villages to witness their plight and wipe the dust that has settled on the unfulfilled promises of homes for all and water in every home, he said. At least stop lying to the poor, he said terming the BJP's approach as deplorable. Stock market slide: Akhilesh Yadav says common people losing money, blames Centre
One dead, 200 patients evacuated as fire grips Lucknows Lok Bandhu hospital
LUCKNOW: A fire that broke out late on Monday night at the government-run Lok Bandhu Raj Narayan Combined Hospital here resulted in the death of one patient and prompted the emergency evacuation of nearly 200 others, according to official sources. The fire originated on the second floor of the hospital building, which houses the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU). At the time of the incident, approximately 4050 patients were admitted to various wards on the affected floor, and several attendants were also present. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who holds the health and medical education portfolio in the Uttar Pradesh government, visited the hospital to oversee the rescue efforts. Speaking to mediapersons, he said, After smoke was seen emanating from the second floor, evacuation of patients was immediately initiated. Approximately 200 patients in total have been moved to safety. Firefighters douse a fire which broke out at Lok Bandhu hospital, in Lucknow, Monday, April 14, 2025. While Pathak maintained that there were no injuries during the evacuation, sources confirmed that one patient, identified as Rajkumar Prajapati (61), who had been admitted to the ICU with hypertension-related complications, died allegedly due to disruption in oxygen supply caused by the fire. Another patient, Kanti (26), remained in critical condition and was shifted to the trauma centre of Balrampur Hospital. The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit, though authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. Patients were shifted to various government facilities, including Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Hospital and Balrampur Hospital. Critically ill patients were transferred to the ICUs of King Georges Medical University and the Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences. Pregnant women were relocated to Jhalkari Bai Hospital, officials said. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of urgency, with hospital employees and fire personnel reportedly carrying patients on their shoulders and evacuating them through windows of the affected wards. All available medical and paramedical staff, along with the hospital superintendent, coordinated the evacuation efforts, Pathak said.
Last-seen theory valid only if time gap is small: Tamil Nadu sessions court
CHENNAI: Though the last seen theory is effective to nail perpetrators in a murder case, it can be used only when the time gap between the point when the deceased and accused were last seen together, and the deceased found dead, is small enough. Using this dictum laid out by higher courts, a Kancheepuram district sessions court, on April 7, acquitted three men accused of murdering their friend, near Manimangalam, around 50 km from Chennai, in March 2013. As per evidence in the case, the court found two of the accused took the deceased on their bike on March 20, and his body was found two days later. The court said the police would have to prove in court that no other person had come in contact with the deceased during the two days, which could justify convicting the accused for the crime. In the absence of such evidence, it is not safe to hand out a conviction on the basis of the theory, the court added. The case pertains to the murder of Suresh allegedly by his friends - Vinayagam, Kathavarayan and Rajesh - sometime in the third week of March in 2013. During the trial, the Manimangalam police said Suresh was murdered as Vinayagam and Kathavarayan had a previous enmity due to a land deal. The duo had picked up Suresh on a bike, and it was seen by the latters wife. Two days later, he was found dead in a forest area nearby with a cut injury on his neck. Though the death was proved to be homicidal, the prosecution could not provide any evidence to establish the motive or produce eyewitnesses to the crime. In fact, though two inspectors investigated the case, neither of them was examined in court by the prosecution. Witnesses who were present during the recording of confession and recovery of the weapons used in the crime had turned hostile. After disposing with these matters, the court took cognisance of the circumstantial evidence available on record, which was that the two accused were last seen with the deceased. However, quoting the Supreme Court verdict in the Dharam Deo Yadav vs State of Uttar Pradesh case and the Madras High Court judgment in Yuvaraj vs State, the court pointed out the last-seen theory could not be used to convict the accused in this case. Evidence As per evidence in the case, the court found two of the accused took the deceased on their bike, and his body was found two days later. The court said the police would have to prove that no other person had come in contact with the deceased during the two days
Governor shedding crocodile tears: Tamil Nadu Minister Chezhiaan
CHENNAI: Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan on Monday said Governor RN Ravi was shedding crocodile tears over the plight of Dalits in the state and blamed him for remaining silent on the atrocities happening against Dalits in BJP ruled states. Citing data released by the centre, the minister said the six BJP-ruled states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Maharashtra accounted for 81% of cases filed for atrocities against Dalits while Tamil Nadu accounted for 3%. The minister was responding to the governors speech at the BR Ambedkars birth anniversary event held at Raj Bhavan on Monday. Chezhiaan alleged that Ravi, who upheld the principles of Manu and Sanatana Dharma, which according to the minister are the fundamental reasons for caste atrocities, was criticising Tamil Nadu in an absurd manner as he was unable to digest the recent landmark verdict of Supreme Court against him. Tamil Nadu leaders pay tributes to Ambedkar; 'plight of dalits in state painful,' says Governor
UP Board Exam Result: Date, overview, how to check marksheet at upmsp.edu.in & upresults.nic.in
UP Board Result 10th, 12th: Over 54 lakh students in Uttar Pradesh are awaiting their UP Board Class 10 and 12 Results 2025. The UPMSP has clarified that the results will not be released on April 15, dismissing social media rumors.
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Massive fire in Lucknows Lokbandhu Hospital, 200 evacuated
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Min urges all to follow Ambedkars ideals, give back to society
Time has come to establish rule of social justice: Akhilesh
Three held with Rs 72L drugs in UPs Kushinagar
Activists burn Mamata Banerjees effigy over WB violence, seek her arrest
Two killed as SUV collides with bike in Kashi
In a week of rebukes, Supreme Court slams UP's 'bulldozer justice', police overreach
The Uttar Pradesh government has recently faced severe criticism from the Supreme Court regarding two separate incidents. The court rebuked the Prayagraj Development Authority for unlawfully demolishing homes and imposed a penalty for violating constitutional rights. Additionally, the UP Police were reprimanded for inappropriately converting civil disputes into criminal cases, raising concerns about the breakdown of the rule of law.
Ambedkar statue vandalised in Azamgarh, poster torn in Kashi
Married woman, youth found hanging in UPs Mirzapur
Series of events across Varanasi commemorate Ambedkars legacy
UP Cop Mistakenly Names Judge As Accused In Theft Case, Suspended
In Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad, a judge ordered a cop to issue a non-bailable warrant against a man who was accused of theft. The police officer, instead of listing the accused, 'mistakenly' named the judge in the warrant.
Free coaching initiative scripting success stories for economically weaker students
BJP netas pay tribute to Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary in Prayagraj
Jungle Raj prevails in UP, says Rai; visitsfamily of slain Dalit youth in Karchhana
Demand for khus curtains as power cuts & mercury soar in Prayagraj
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UP govt, Foxconn in discussion for setting up manufacturing unit
New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government and iPhone maker Foxconn have started discussions to set up an electronics manufacturing unit in the state, sources aware of the development said. The investment pitch was made by Invest UP to Foxconn at the time of the final land allocation for the HCL-Foxconn chip joint venture Vama Sundari. []
Minor girl gangraped in Uttar Pradeshs Kasganj, 8 nabbed
An FIR in this regard was registered under BNS sections 70 (gangrape), 126 (2) (wrongful restraint), 308 (5) (extortion) among others and the POCSO Act on April 12, the police said.
Investor Relations page.
Constitution is Ambedkar's gift to country: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav
LUCKNOW: On the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said the Constitution is Babasaheb's gift to the country and as long as it remains safe, people's rights will remain safe. In a post on X in Hindi, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister called on people to unite to strengthen the 'PDA' movement to save the Constitution. The 'PDA' acronym coined by Yadav refers to a combination of 'Pichhde' (backward classes), Dalit and 'Alpasankhyak' (minorities). Let us strengthen our sense of self-respect and unite to establish the rule of social justice and give new strength to the PDA's movement to save Babasaheb's gift and heritage - Constitution and reservation. (Let us) reiterate that the Constitution is the life-giver and the Constitution is a shield and that as long as the Constitution remains safe, our honour, respect, self-respect and rights will remain safe, the SP president said. Only through self-respect the people of the PDA society will be able to gain their decisive power and get freedom from oppression, tyranny and pain and will be able to give a constitutional answer to the oppressive, dominant and power-hungry negative forces, he said. : 14 2025 . , pic.twitter.com/nVVPNomhP4 Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) April 14, 2025 Yadav underlined that only the unity of 'PDA' will save the Constitution and reservation, and create a golden future. Ambedkar is recognised for his lifelong struggle for the empowerment of Scheduled Castes and his key role in drafting the Constitution. Born in a Dalit family in 1891, he was a brilliant student who went on to study in foreign countries. The discrimination he suffered in Indian society turned him into a committed social reformer. He was India's first law minister. He died in 1956. Modi goverment only pays lip service to Ambedkar, BJP-RSS his enemies: Kharge
Protesters burn effigy of Mamata Banerjee in Varanasi over West Bengal violence
Social activists and women from the Vishal Bharat Institute protested in Lamahi village, burning an effigy of West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, demanding her dismissal and arrest, alleging her government's support of violence against Hindus in Murshidabad under the guise of opposing the Waqf Bill.
Foxconn Eyeing 300 Acres In UP For First Plant In North India: Report
Apple Indias contract manufacturer Foxconn is reportedly planning to build a new facility in Uttar Pradeshs Greater Noida, as part
Bulldozer Nation: When the Rule of Law Is Crushed Under Wheels of State Power
By Dilip Bobb Bulldozer justice has become a thorn in the side of justice, particularly in the BJP-ruled states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, with the authorities carrying out demolitions of properties, citing alleged criminal cases or encroachments as the reasons, without following the due process of law. Such capricious acts are not only legally [] The post Bulldozer Nation: When the Rule of Law Is Crushed Under Wheels of State Power appeared first on India Legal .
Courtroom Mix-Up: UP Cop Who Referred To Judge As Accused To Face Enquiry
In a bizarre mix-up, a police sub-inspector (SI) wrote a magistrate's name instead of the accused in a theft case while complying with the proclamation order in Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad district.
FormerHimachal Pradesh Minister Virendra Kanwar gets ransom call, death threat; case registered
According to the complaint, the caller had introduced himself as Dharmendra from Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh even though the True Caller app showed his name as Irfan Khan
Ambedkar a true Bharat Ratna and living school of democracy, says Adityanath
On Ambedkar Jayanti, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid homage to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, calling him a true Bharat Ratna and a living school of democracy. He said Ambedkars lifelong fight for an egalitarian and just society would forever inspire the nation
Bijnor Girl Cons Maternal Uncle With Petrol Pump Dreams, Swindles Rs 43.5 Lakh
In Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, a woman deceived her uncle out of Rs 43.5 lakh by promising to secure a petrol pump through her alleged connections in the Petroleum Ministry
Ambedkar favoured smaller, more manageable states; proposed division of Bihar, MP, UP
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Trump effect: Foxconn plans huge 300-acre manufacturing plant in UP
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One state, many missed chances
BENGALURU: As a tourist destination, Karnataka lives up to its tagline: One State, Many Worlds. But for snow, the state offers everything that a tourist needs to relax and rejuvenate. Yet, to become the top preferred destination for all travellers, the authorities need to learn a little more about tourism, and adopt some of the best practices from destinations drawing higher footfalls, to improve facilities in the state. Stakeholders, tour operators, industry experts and tourism officials point out that the Karnataka government needs to watch out for early trends and work fast to catch them, like the Ramayana Circuit, vegetarian and highway tourism. Karnataka ranks fourth in India in the domestic tourism category, and is at 12 in international tourism. Experts suggest there is a lot of scope for improvement, especially when it comes to basics like wayside facilities and services. A 150km trip outside Bengaluru, and the world changes. There are poorly maintained wayside amenities, hotels and restaurants. Simple facilities like washrooms become a concern. The focus of the government is Bengaluru. But this is not the case with states like Tamil Nadu or Kerala, said Shobhith B, a software professional and avid traveller. A tourism official likens the situation to too many cooks spoiling the broth, As per standards, there should be a restroom facility every 60km. Construction of toilets along roads is the task of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Public Works Department (PWD), but the onus of maintaining them is on the property owner or district administration. Approval and funding rests with the finance department. Their construction and maintenance will benefit the tourism sector, which is not happening. Karnataka recorded 4.85 lakh international tourist arrivals in 2024, up from 4.01 lakh tourists in 2023. The number of domestic tourists stood at 30.46crore in 2024, compared to 28.35 crore in 2023. Snatching opportunities Stakeholders said the government and tourism department are not making the most of opportunities available to them in attracting tourists. A consultant working with the department, who did not want to be identified, said: There is overcrowding in Goa. Udhagamandalam (Ooty) is losing out on tourism because of the recent introduction of entry pass. This can become a golden opportunity for Karnataka to promote its destinations, but the trend was not studied in advance, to compete and improve facilities for this tourist season in places like Karwar, Gokarna, Mangaluru, Talacauvery, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru or Sakleshpur. They continue to be looked at as short-haul weekend getaways. The consultant added that the government has been over-promoting Hampi, while Belur, Halebidu, Pattadakal and Aihole, which are also Unesco heritage sites and have a lot of potential, have not been given equal priority. Tourists visiting Gokarna and Goa stretch to Hampi and vice-versa. But in case of other sites, there is nothing beyond them to see and do. More so, there are no basic facilities, including tourist security and availability of well-trained guides. This has been well understood by Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and now even Uttar Pradesh. Other states score as all their heritage properties are being given equal importance, he added. Consultants have also suggested to officials that instead of travelling overseas, they should travel to other states, especially North India, to learn about opportunities like highway tourism, which is becoming popular across India. With many people buying high-end cars and SUVs, and the Central government improving the road network, people now prefer to drive long distances instead of depending on buses or trains. This is a big opportunity Karnataka should immediately tap, the consultant added. Affordability and packages In multiple meetings, stakeholders who study tourist trends pointed out that when domestic tourism is the pulse of Karnataka, it should be made more affordable. But at present, domestic tourism is costly compared to international travel. The tourism department, in coordination with hoteliers and experts, should work on designing affordable tourism packages for all categories of travellers. These packages should be dynamic and customised, depending on trends and types of travellers. Also, the government should only regulate tourism and ease the process of issuing sanctions, permissions and certifications. But due to red tape and multiple restrictions, hoteliers lose interest in offering additional facilities and services to tourists. This is where Karnataka loses out to other states, said a consultant working with the government. The government is also concentrating on developing and enhancing infrastructure in select sites like Hampi and Gokarna. Prolonged delays in clearing projects around other promising places like Aihole, Pattadakal, Belur, Halebidu and even Lakkundi, is affecting footfall, said a hotelier. Government agencies need to understand that no one travels alone. India, especially Karnataka, is not ready to accept and support solo women travellers. So if a couple or family is travelling, packages should be subsidised and customised to their needs to make tourists happy. They should understand that more than the governments marketing, it is word of mouth and feedback from tourists that increases footfall, added the hotelier, who did not want to be named as he works closely with the government. Improving domestic tourism Syama Raju, president, Karnataka Tourism Society, said domestic tourism is picking up in Karnataka, when compared to international travel. There is a lot of scope for improvement, especially in the creation of wayside amenities, first- and last-mile connectivity from airports in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, improved flight connectivity under the Udaan scheme, chain of good hotels and hygiene. Sundar Singaram, Director - Operations, South Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association, said domestic travel has also become costly because of airfare. Airlines tend to raise fares when they see a rise in bookings. They grasp the trends very fast. Charges further increase depending on availability and quality of facilities at tourist locations, he said. This is where international destinations like Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka are scoring. Hotels, tour operators and government agencies should collectively keep a close watch on changing lifestyles and market trends. For example, the thrust this year is on family and religious tourism. Many tourists are now looking for Vegetarian Only places. Stakeholders and government agencies should be flexible to adapt to market changes quickly and design unique packages to catch the crowd. Though the Maha Kumbh mela has ended, people are still going to Prayagraj and continuing to Ram Temple in Ayodhya and Sita Kund in Gaya, Bihar. The trend this season is the Ramayana Circuit, which Karnataka should have tapped, admitted a tourism department official, not wanting to be named. S Mahalingaiah, secretary, Karnataka Tourism Society, said Karnataka gets a large number of tourists from Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and South Chennai who prefer places like Dandeli, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, K Gudi, Bandipur, or temples in Shravanabelagola, Kukke Subramanya, Dharmasthala, Udupi, Murudeshwar, Jain Basadis and Kollur. The biggest competition for Karnataka is from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu and now even Hyderabad. Thus a lot of effort is needed to explore the states maximum potential. Fill the gaps Commenting on gaps in what is planned on paper and what is seen on the ground, a tourism ministry official said, The problem is not just in Karnataka, but states across India. It is the lack of aggressive marketing and promotion of destinations on international and domestic platforms. All that it is promoted on international platforms is the Taj Mahal, Hampi, Goa, Ranthambore and Gir. On domestic platforms, it is Hampi, Karwar, Murudeshwar, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Mysuru. But there are many more places and private destinations that should be included in the list. The government needs to learn from Italy, Japan or even West Asia, where every year something new is promoted along with older destinations. How a destination is packaged is also important. All international websites have a window where tourist destinations and native language is promoted. This is lacking here. S Shanmugham, member, Tourism Committee, Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), said the government should pay special attention to improve last-mile connectivity from bus stands, railway stations and airports in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to tourist destinations, hotels and resorts. Dependence on private transport and exploitation is a concern. Shanmugham added that most of the tourist spots are in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where infrastructure, affordable hotels and hygiene need to be maintained. These are the basics tourists look for and take back. This will not just help attract more tourists, but also improve the economy and boost employment. Official speak Karnataka Tourism Director KV Rajendra said the tourism sector in the state is thriving largely on domestic tourism, which makes up 70-90% of footfalls, depending on the season and occasion. Addressing concern over the delay in providing facilities in certain locations, he said it is a Catch-22 situation. As tourists point to the need, stakeholders and financiers see no quick returns. Thus the government has taken up the task of constructing three-star hotels which will be operated by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) in select locations, including Belur, Pattadakal, Aihole and in coastal areas. We are also preparing a demand and supply report of each location to undertake development-based infrastructure works, he said, adding that to close the last-mile connectivity gap, talks are being held with bus operators and hoteliers in most tourist locations. Rajendra said work is on to improve infrastructure and food and beverage setups along the coast and in North Karnataka. Talks with NHAI and PWD are being held to improve wayside amenities. A regulatory mechanism is also being worked on for constant checks and feedback. MANY WORLDS Preferred destinations: Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Sakleshpur, Hampi, Bandipur and Nagarahole reserves Potential destination: Belur, Halebidu, Pattadakal, coastal areas spread across 320km Lesser-known spots: As per state archaeology and tourism departments, there are over 80,000 heritage sites which are barely explored. Apart from Lakkundi and Yana caves, there are 22 lesser-known beach locations, including Pannambur, Kasargod, Kapu and Sasihithlu TOUGH COMPETITION A team of consultants and stakeholders has prepared a list of locations which face tough competition with other states, and which need special attention. Coorg and Mysuru compete with Wayanad and Ooty Coastal Karnataka competes with Kasargod, Goa and Puducherry Wildlife tourism destinations compete with Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat Temple towns compete with those in Tamil Nadu
UP Class 10, 12 board exam results tomorrow? UPMSP provides major update
The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has dismissed a fake social media notification claiming Class 10 and 12 board exam results would be out on April 15. The official result date will be announced later. Over 27.32 lakh students appeared for the UP Board Class 10 exam 2025, and results will be available on upmsp.edu.in and upmspresults.up.nic.in.
The $22 billion pivot: Apples India gamble starts to pay off amid US-China trade war
Apple's iPhone production in India has surged by 60% to $22 billion, now accounting for one in five iPhones globally. This shift, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities, positions India as a key export hub. Foxconn is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Uttar Pradesh, signaling a long-term commitment to India's growing industrial ecosystem.
New bus routes to link Jewar Airport, Noida & beyond
Uttar Pradesh is launching an expanded bus service connecting Jewar Airport and Pari Chowk in Greater Noida. The post New bus routes to link Jewar Airport, Noida & beyond appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
Kerala Police look to add firepower with AK-203 rifles
KOCHI: Kerala Police is set to enhance its firepower with the procurement of advanced AK-203 assault rifles a modern derivative of the legendary AK-47. The department has floated a tender for the purchase of 250 AK-203 rifles. An amount of Rs 2.5 crore has been allocated from the Police Modernisation Fund for the purpose. We are looking to replace some of the ageing rifles in the police armoury with more advanced firearms. We prefer the AK-203 as it is an upgraded version of the AK-47, which is already in use by our armed wing, a senior officer with the Kerala Police Headquarters said. At present, we plan to procure around 250 rifles, at an expected cost of `1 to `1.5 lakh per unit. More rifles may be acquired in subsequent phases, the officer said. The AK-203, widely used by the Indian Army, is known for its reliability, durability and accuracy. They are manufactured in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh through a India-Russia joint venture. So far, the Army has received nearly one lakh AK-203 rifles, with an additional 70,000 units on order. Apart from military use, several states are also considering AK-203 rifles for their police and commando forces. Currently, the Kerala Police arsenal includes AK-47s, Insas (Indian Small Arms System) rifles, self-loading rifles (SLRs), and Ghatak rifles. The vintage .303 rifles, once a staple of the force, have been phased out and are now used only for ceremonial purposes. The most modern weapon in the current inventory is the German-made Heckler and Koch MP5 submachine gun, with 20 units procured in 2020. The force also uses pistols procured from international firearms companies. The AK-203 weighs approximately 4kg (without a loaded magazine) and is designed to chamber a 7.62 x 39 mm cartridge compared with the 5.56 mm calibre of the Insas rifle. With an effective range of 400 to 800 metres, the AK-203 supports both 30-round detachable box magazines and 50-round quad-column magazines. It also features accessory rails to mount telescopic sights and night vision devices, enhancing accuracy in low-light conditions. Report flags modernisation funds under-utilisation In 2020, the CAG report was critical of the under-utilisation of the modernisation fund by Kerala Police and its ageing weapons. Until now, advanced weaponry has been primarily used by the Thunderbolt commando unit of the Kerala Police, which is deployed for anti-Maoist operations in the districts of Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kannur. However, with Maoist activity in the state seemingly on its last leg, the new rifles are expected to be distributed to armed units engaged in general security operations.
TTDs Divya Kshetrams hit by staff crunch
TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), one of Indias wealthiest temples, faces a severe staff shortage. With over 108 employees retired as of March 31, 2025, and an estimated 500 more expected to retire by June, maintaining existing temples has become challenging. This shortage poses significant concerns as TTD plans to construct Divya Kshetrams (Srivari Temples) in every state. The lack of essential staff, particularly Archakas trained in Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa Agama, crucial for temple operations, raises questions about the feasibility of the expansion. While TTD is optimistic about simultaneous construction and recruitment, some experts urge the temple board to prioritize addressing the staff crunch over new temple construction. The staff shortage at TTD has reached a critical point, forcing the organization to rely heavily on local volunteers for sensitive tasks like Hundi counting at outside temples. A recent incident exposed this vulnerability when a staff member was suspended in March for allegedly manipulating foreign currency denominations in a Hundi, amounting to Rs 6.5 lakh, with an ongoing police investigation. Experts suggest that the staff member exploited the situation due to being indispensable amid the staff shortage, highlighting the risks of relying on overextended personnel. Furthermore, TTD has been slow to develop a comprehensive manpower deployment and recruitment strategy, particularly for crucial roles such as Archakas trained in Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa Agama, Veda Parayanadars, Paricharakas, temple kitchen (Potu) staff, and sanitation, security, and musical staff. TTD is grappling with a significant staff shortage, with 108 employees retired as of March 31, 2025, and an estimated 500 more expected to retire by June. The lack of new recruits has impacted not only temples but also guest houses, Public Amenities Complexes, and other support facilities. Notably, the TTDs staff strength has dwindled from 16,600 employees two decades ago to around 5,000 currently. The temples taken over from the AP Endowments Department, such as those in Vontimitta, Devuni Kadapa, and Valmikipuram, are facing a severe resource crunch, relying heavily on TTD funding and facing periodic pressure for increased allocation. Unclear path ahead for Divya Kshetrams Moreover, TTD temples in Jammu, Rishikesh, Kurukshetra, and Delhi are struggling with a shortage of Archakas, raising concerns about expanding to foreign lands due to traditional restrictions like those imposed by the Vaikhanasa Agama, which prohibit temple priests from crossing oceans. The Divya Kshethrams initiative was first formally announced in 2015 with letters sent to several state governments, proposing the construction of Lord Venkateswara temples. Constructions were completed in a few locations such as Kurukshetra, New Delhi, Kanyakumari, Chennai, Rampachodavaram and Seethampeta, but many of them continue to operate with insufficient staff. TTD had previously expanded into major urban centres such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and New Delhi to improve access to darshan tickets, accommodation, and spiritual outreach. However, many of these information centres have either shut down due to the rise of online services or have been converted into small temples or Kalyana Mandapams. An example is the Chennai information centre, which also has a Dhyanamandir. The Chennai centre has never been officially designated as a temple, but the locals treat it as one. It has become one of the top revenue-generating sub-temples via Hundi collections, despite running with a skeletal staff. Meanwhile, letters have been sent to Chief Ministers and administrators of 18 states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and Sikkim. Chief Ministers of several states have responded positively to TTD Trust Board Chairman BR Naidus request for land allocation to build temples in their respective capitals. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is also said to have discussed this matter during a recent review with the board. However, according to a senior TTD officer, a clear financial and administrative policy is still pending. Key questions remain: Who will bear construction costs? How are donor roles defined? And what are the operational obligations once a temple is established? In case of Navi Mumbai, an MoU exists with a private donor, but most proposed locations have no such clarity. Legal, administrative and cultural hurdles Legally, TTD is governed by the TTD Act, which has limited clarity or flexibility when it comes to constructing temples outside AP or India. Amendments may be necessary if the institution is to continue its out-of-state or international expansion. Further, while TTD is registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is essential for each project and is only valid for five years. With political leadership changes in those states, continuity may not be guaranteed.
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