Sunday, May 18, 2025 ਪੰਜਾਬੀ हिंदी

Politics

Delhi govt plans incubation infra boost for entrepreneurs, startups: Minister Sirsa

Delhi Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday announced the expansion of incubation infrastructure under Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Aiming to catalyse the city's startup ecosystem, Minister Sirsa announced that two incubation centres are being established at the World Class Skill Centres (WCSC) in Jhandewalan and Wazirpur through Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU).

The initiative aims to strengthen the Delhi government's efforts to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem aligned with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Vocal for Local'.

The skill centres will be funded by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, he said.

Send Congress leaders to Pakistan for Operation Sindoor's evidence: Shobha Karandlaje

Coming down heavily on Congress leaders who have demanded evidence of Operation Sindoor's success, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should send his party leaders on a "tour" to Pakistan.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Tiranga yatra organised in the Byatarayanapura Assembly constituency in Bengaluru on Saturday, she said state Congress leaders who doubt the claim of 100 terrorists being killed in Operation Sindoor should go to Pakistan and find out themselves.

"They should be made to stay in Pakistan for at least a year," she remarked.

Centre to launch National Soil Spectral Library towards digital agriculture

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is slated to chair a high-level stakeholder consultation on Monday on ‘Viksit Krishi’ and review key agricultural and rural development schemes in Nagpur, it was announced on Saturday.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also attend the meeting, according to a Ministry of Agriculture statement.

During the visit, the Union Minister will inaugurate the National Soil Spectral Library (NSSL) – a pioneering initiative in digital agriculture, developed collaboratively by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur; the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal; and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.

This initiative is part of the Network Programme on Precision Agriculture, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Digvijaya Singh seeks BJP’s response on Minister Shah’s remarks against Sofiya Qureshi

Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Thursday slammed the BJP leadership for its silence over Minister Vijay Shah’s alleged derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

Addressing a press conference in Indore, the Rajya Sabha MP demanded a clear response from the top BJP brass, stating that Shah’s comments had hurt the sentiments of the nation.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president J.P. Nadda must clarify whether they endorse Vijay Shah’s remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. If not, why hasn’t he been sacked from the cabinet and the party? Who is shielding him?” Singh asked.

He also lauded the Madhya Pradesh High Court, particularly Justice Atul Sreedharan, for taking cognisance of the matter and directing the state Director General of Police (DGP) to register an FIR against Shah.

Remaining 116 Delhi villages to get piped cooking gas by year-end: CM Gupta

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced that the remaining 116 villages in the city without a piped cooking gas line will get the facility by the year-end, ensuring that all Delhi villages are covered under the scheme.

Earlier, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and the CM virtually inaugurated PNG (Piped Natural Gas) supply to 111 villages at a ceremony in Dwarka.

CM Gupta said the piped gas connections in Delhi, under the second phase of extending gas pipeline facility to villages, mark a new chapter in the lives of all families in 111 villages.

“The 116 villages that are without a piped gas line will also get the facility by this year end,” she said, adding that a total 130 villages had got piped gas line in the first phase.

The CM announced that with the 111 villages getting piped gas on Thursday the total length of line has gone up to 13,000 km in the city.

Rajasthan CM receives fifth death threat in 15 months

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has received another death threat -- the fifth in the past 15 months -- officials from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said on Thursday.

According to CMO officials, the threat was sent via email to the official IDs of both the Chief Minister and the Rajasthan Sports Council President Neeraj K. Pawan, an IAS officer.

The email contained graphic threats of violence, stating: “If the police do not act in the rape victim’s case, we can murder the CM. We will cut him into pieces.”

A similar threat was issued against Pawan, with the mail stating: “We will cut him into pieces and pack him in a black suitcase.”

This marks the fifth death threat received by the Chief Minister since taking office.

Minister Sirsa visits Okhla landfill site, promises garbage mountain will 'vanish like dinosaurs'

Delhi Minister for Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, on Thursday visited the Okhla landfill site and reiterated the BJP government's commitment to removing the towering garbage mounds from the national Capital, declaring that they will "vanish just like dinosaurs" in the coming five years.

Sirsa was accompanied by BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh during the visit.

At the site, Sirsa said, "Today at the Okhla landfill, the promise made by Prime Minister Modi to eliminate the garbage mountains that Delhi has become known for, is being actively worked on by the Delhi Chief Minister. I want to say that these garbage mountains you see will vanish like dinosaurs. By December 2025, 90 per cent of it will no longer be visible. This is our target for 2028."

"Just like dinosaurs have vanished, these landfills will vanish from the national Capital. We have already reclaimed most of the area, and by October, another 20 lakh metric tonnes of waste will be removed," he added.

BJP holds 'Tiranga Yatra' in Ayodhya in honour of Indian armed forces

In a spirited display of nationalism and gratitude, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday organised a 'Tiranga Yatra' in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to mark the resounding success of 'Operation Sindoor' and to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces.

The Yatra, taken out in the holy city of Ramnagari Ayodhya, echoed with patriotic chants as slogans of "Jai Hind" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai" rang through the streets.

Beginning from Gandhi Park and making its way to the Chowk via Civil Lines, the procession was marked by a sea of national flags and enthusiastic participation from all walks of life.

Former BJP MP Lallu Singh, Ayodhya MLA Ved Prakash Gupta, Samajwadi Party's rebel MLA Abhay Singh, and members of the BJP Mahila Morcha joined the 'Tiranga Yatra', which turned into a powerful expression of unity and national pride.

Mamata Banerjee expresses satisfaction over return of BSF jawan from Pakistan Ranger's custody

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, expressed immense satisfaction over the successful return of Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who was in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since April 23.

Shaw is a resident of Rishra in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, where his family members reside.

On getting the information, the Chief Minister also personally called up the wife of the BSF jawan Rajni Shaw, who reportedly thanked her for being a constant mental support during the interim period of tension, anxiety and crisis.

In a statement issued by the Chief Minister, which is posted on the wall of her official X handle, she claimed to be in touch with the Shaw family all along and spoke thrice with the wife of the BSF jawan during the interim period.

Amit Shah to inaugurate Rs 117-crore flyover in Ahmedabad on May 18

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate a flyover at Pallav Char Rasta in Ahmedabad's Naranpura area on Sunday.

The project falls within Union Minister Shah's Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. He previously represented the Naranpura Assembly seat during his tenure in Gujarat's state politics.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 117 crore, the flyover stretches across the 132-feet Ring Road and is expected to ease congestion for nearly 1.5 lakh commuters daily.

The structure spans 935 metres in length and 8.4 metres in width, rising to a height of 5.37 metres at the Pragatinagar junction. Built with 62 spans, the flyover aims to streamline traffic movement in one of the city's busiest corridors. As of early 2025, the city boasts approximately 81 flyovers, railway overbridges, and river bridges, with ongoing construction at key intersections such as Vadaj, Naroda Patiya, Makarba, Bootbhawani, and Pallav Char Rasta.

Mayawati slams MP Minister Vijay Shah for remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, demands strict action

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Madhya Pradesh BJP Minister Vijay Shah over his controversial remarks targeting Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, demanding that the BJP and the Centre take stringent action against him.

Shah had stirred a political storm during a public address in Mhow while referring to 'Operation Sindoor'.

He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a "sister from the same community" as that in Pakistan to avenge the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The remark was widely seen as targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who is from the Muslim community.

Reacting strongly to Shah's comments, Mayawati took to X and posted, "The disgusting, uncivilised and indecent remarks first against the Foreign Secretary and then against the lady Army officer are really going to destroy the whole good atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement which the whole country is enjoying due to the success of Indian Army's 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan, which is extremely sad and shameful."

India slams China's 'preposterous' attempt to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh

India on Tuesday lambasted China for its repeated and "preposterous" attempts to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming that the north-eastern state is an integral and inalienable part of the country.

Responding to media queries over the matter, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement rejecting China's actions.

"We have noticed that China has persisted with its vain and preposterous attempts to name places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Consistent with our principled position, we reject such attempts categorically. Creative naming will not alter the undeniable reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India," the MEA stated.

Justice B.R. Gavai sworn in as 52nd Chief Justice of India

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday administered the oath of office to Justice B.R. Gavai as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national Capital.

Justice Gavai, the 52nd CJI, will have a tenure of over 6 months, and he will demit office on November 23, 2025.

On April 29, the Centre cleared the appointment of Justice Gavai to the highest judicial office of the country after then CJI Sanjiv Khanna had recommended him as his successor last month.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from 14th May, 2025," had said a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.

Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.

If Majithia Knows the Real Culprits, He Should Inform the Police Instead of Misleading the Public: Kang

Aam Aadmi Party leader and MP Malvinder Singh Kang raised questions about Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia's statement on the main accused in the tragic death of 14 people in Majitha due to spurious liquor and accused him of doing politics over the issue.

Kang questioned how Bikram Majithia could claim with certainty whether the accused arrested by Punjab Police are genuine or not. He said the confidence with which Majithia is making such claims suggests either he has close ties with the culprits or he is blatantly lying.

Kang stated that if Majithia believes the arrested suspects are incorrect, he should reveal the names of the real culprits to the police. He urged Majithia to refrain from misleading people with such statements. Kang added that if Majithia fails to disclose the names of the main culprits after making such a significant claim, it would mean he is providing political protection to the criminals.

Methanol responsible for 17 hooch deaths; 10 arrested: Punjab Police

As the hooch death toll in Punjab rose to 17, most of the victims daily-wagers, and many critical in Amritsar district, Punjab Police on Tuesday said it has arrested 10 people, including the kingpin of the racket, along with several distributors and suppliers of methanol, a fatal chemical used in industrial products, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here.

The kingpin has been identified as Sahib Singh, while, main suppliers of methanol have been identified as Pankaj Kumar and Arvind Kumar, owners of Sahil Chemicals at Sukh Enclave in Ludhiana. Police have also arrested local distributors, Prabhjit Singh and Kulbir Singh; and local sellers, Ninder Kaur, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh, Arun, alias Kala, and Sikander Singh, alias Pappu.

The deaths were reported in Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan and Therewal villages of Majitha sub-division.

AAP Government’s clear message – Liquor mafia will not be spared!

 AAP Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema expressed deep condolences to the families of the 14 victims who lost their lives due to spurious liquor in Majitha. Calling the incident a heinous act, Cheema assured that strict action is being taken against the culprits, with no one to be spared, irrespective of their political or administrative affiliations.

Cheema stated, “First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. This is a despicable crime, and the government is committed to delivering justice. Many of the culprits have already been apprehended, and cases of murder under stringent provisions of the law have been registered against them.”

Cheema further emphasized that the state will ensure the harshest punishment for those responsible. He assured that no culprit, whether politically connected, non-political, or a government official, will escape the clutches of justice.

Serious Questions arise about Ceasefire Decision: Manish Sisodia

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader and Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia raised several serious questions about the Pahalgam attack and the sudden ceasefire announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He demanded clarification from the Prime Minister on the doubts and questions arising from the ceasefire decision.

Addressing a press conference at the party office in Chandigarh on Tuesday, Manish Sisodia said that after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, there was widespread anger among the people of the country. Subsequently, on May 7, the Indian Army successfully conducted Operation Sindoor, destroying terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. This gave the people of the country hope for justice and a sense of relief.

Congress calls Trump’s Kashmir offer ‘dangerous’, seeks reply from PM

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday voiced the Congress party’s concerns over the sudden understanding on ceasefire announced during Operation Sindoor and described US President Donald Trump’s suggestion to help on Kashmir as ‘dangerous’.

The Congress stalwart questioned the government on why it was allowing Donald Trump to come into the picture.

Addressing the media here, Gehlot said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs should elaborate on the role that Trump claimed he played in achieving an understanding on a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

“I have this complaint against PM Modi that he has not spoken about Trump’s tweets,” he said, referring to the US President's offer to help on Kashmir.

“The Simla Agreement said that no third nation would come into the picture, but Trump has entered the scene. We don’t know if Trump is in the frame with the consent of the Indian government or not,” he said.

Political leaders laud PM Modi's clear message to Pak on terrorism, PoK

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on Monday drew widespread praise from BJP leaders and NDA allies, who said his speech sent a clear and firm message to both the global community and India's adversaries.

The address, which came in the wake of 'Operation Sindoor' and the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan, underscored India's uncompromising stance on terrorism and reiterated that any dialogue with Pakistan would be restricted to issues concerning terrorism and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

In his remarks, PM Modi firmly stated that "Nuclear blackmail" will not deter India from taking resolute action against terrorism anywhere in the world.

Outlining a three-pronged "new normal" in India's anti-terror doctrine, the Prime Minister said India is committed to tracking and eliminating terror threats globally, and that state-backed terror operatives will be treated at par with their masterminds.

Telangana attracted Rs 3 lakh crore investment in 15 months, says CM

Telangana has attracted nearly Rs 3 lakh crore investment, creating one lakh jobs in the private sector since December 2023, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Monday.

He claimed that Telangana is the number one state in the country in attracting investments -- both domestic and international.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of a company’s new facility at Nanakramguda in Hyderabad.

He said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Telangana attracted investments of Rs 1.78 lakh crore. “During my trips to the World Economic Forum in Davos, and investor meets in the USA, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, we have convinced the world that Telangana means business,” he said.

He mentioned that Hyderabad is now a GCC (Global Capability Centre) hub, in both software and Life Sciences. Hyderabad emerged as a leading hub for AI-ready data centres, life sciences and manufacturing sectors, he said. Several IT giants are expanding and have opened new campuses.

Gehlot expresses concern over ranger's death in tiger attack, urges state to enhance safety measures

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday expressed deep concern over two recent tiger attacks in Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur, which claimed the lives of a forest ranger and a child.

In a post on social media, Gehlot said, "The unfortunate death of Ranger Shri Devendra Chaudhary in a tiger attack at Ranthambore is both tragic and deeply concerning. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time."

He further stated, "This incident raises serious safety concerns, especially in light of a similar tragedy on April 16, when a child lost his life in another tiger attack. I strongly urge the state government to take immediate and serious action. A thorough discussion with forest officials and wildlife experts is essential to ensure better safety measures for both frontline staff and the general public."

India’s power was demonstrated: Sandeep Dikshit on India-Pak understanding

Welcoming the recent understanding reached between India and Pakistan, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit emphasized that while the development is encouraging, it must pave the way for a long-term solution. He added that India's strength and capabilities were clearly demonstrated when the armed forces responded with decisive force.

He said that India's strong response has sent a clear message to Pakistan, but whether Islamabad has truly learned a lesson remains to be seen.

Dikshit said, “One thing that came out well in this whole ceasefire is that India’s power was demonstrated,” highlighting India's superior defence capabilities and strategic response. “This has also been proven that if Pakistan does anything in the future, whether it's missiles, drones, aircraft, or air superiority, our ability to hit the target is far greater.”

His comments came regarding the meeting of the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGAO) following the ceasefire. When asked about the significance of the meeting, Dikshit stated, “We don’t know what kind of talks will take place or what problems might arise. But I would expect that if the ceasefire has happened, there should be a long-term solution,” he told.

Nation stands with them: Priyanka Gandhi pays tribute to soldiers martyred in cross-border firing

Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the cross-border firing and during counter-terror operations against Pakistan.

Expressing grief, she said the entire nation stands united in mourning the loss of these courageous men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“The martyrdom of our brave soldiers during the Indian Army’s action against terrorists and the confrontation with Pakistani forces is deeply saddening,” Priyanka Gandhi said in a post on X.

“Subedar Pawan Kumar ji, Sepoy M Murali Naik ji, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar ji, BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiaz ji, Sergeant Surendra Kumar Moga, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, and Rajouri Police Officer Raj Kumar Thapa ji -- all laid down their lives for the safety and sovereignty of our nation,” she added.

Andhra Pradesh exempts defence personnel from property tax

The Andhra Pradesh government has granted property tax exemption to houses owned by Indian Defence personnel within the gram panchayat limits in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan made an announcement to this effect through a post on ‘X’ on Sunday night.

The Jana Sena leader stated that the NDA government under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken a decision as a mark of deep respect and gratitude to brave soldiers.

“The Panchayat Raj Department has taken a significant decision, to grant property tax exemption to houses belonging to personnel of the Indian Defence Forces within Gram Panchayat limits. This decision honours the unwavering courage of our defence forces Army, Navy, and Air Force, Paramilitary, CRPF personnel who dedicate their lives for the security of our nation,” stated Pawan Kalyan.

Delhi CM takes stock of emergency preparedness of hospitals, fire service

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday assessed the preparedness of hospitals, the fire department and other government agencies to deal with an emergency in the backdrop of the ongoing ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Addressing the high-level review meeting, CM Gupta instructed officials to ensure availability of ambulances and adequate storage of medicines and materials.

She also issued instructions to ensure power backup in Intensive Care Units and to cancel the leave of medical and paramedical staff and prepare duty rosters.

Officials of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) were directed to identify shelters and sensitise Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs) for emergency deployment and coordination with the armed forces, Indian Railways and airport authorities.

MP Raghav Chadha’s Stern Warning to Pakistan: Shape Up, or the Ganga Will Flow from Kashi to Islamabad, and India’s Tricolour Will Wave in Rawalpindi!

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has sent a loud and clear message to Pakistan: India’s precise and powerful strikes on terrorist hideouts under “Operation Sindoor” are a warning-stop your terrorist activities and cowardly attacks now, or face the toughest consequences history has ever seen. 
 
Honoring the fearless courage of the Indian Armed Forces, Chadha urged the nation to stand united. He said, “We don’t pick fights, but we don’t let go once provoked. India is the land of Buddha, but also the home of warriors like Arjun and Bhishma.”  

Punjab ministers assess preparedness in forward areas

Punjab Cabinet Ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Baljit Kaur on Saturday visited Fazilka to assess the civil administration preparedness and to interact with locals in forward areas along the International Border, but the Indian forces are in a "high state" of operational readiness.

During the visit, the ministers held a meeting with the district administration and reviewed arrangements at the local Civil Hospital.

They also visited city markets to meet residents and provide reassurance of the government's continued support.

Minister Sond said the government stood firmly with the people of border areas during these testing times.

He said all necessary support is being extended to the armed forces as well.

PM Modi assesses gains from 'Operation Sindoor', vows strong response to Pak escalation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday continued his discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs on the anti-terror ‘Operation Sindoor’ amid little signs of Pakistan trying to de-escalate tensions.

The discussions revolved around assessing the success achieved in the anti-terror operation and preparations to foil an attempted offensive by Pakistan which is reported to have moved troops into forward areas, indicating offensive intent to further escalate the situation.

Apart from discussing the future course, PM Modi is believed to have discussed the continuous violation of the ceasefire by Pakistan in the sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) and the border.

Chiefs of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) also shared details about the terrorists – including those wanted in the IC-814 flight’s hijack to Kandahar in 1999 – killed in 'Operation Sindoor' so far.

Ilaiyaraaja to contribute concert fee and one month's salary to National Defence Fund

Stating that he was very confident that the country's armed forces would bring the enemy to their knees, one of the country's finest music directors and a Member of Parliament Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja on Saturday announced that he would be contributing his concert fee and a month's salary to the National Defence Fund.

Taking to his X timeline on Saturday, Ilaiyaraaja said, " 'VALIANT' - Earlier this year, I composed and recorded my first symphony and named it 'Valiant', unaware that in May our real heroes, our soldiers, would need to act with bravery, boldness, courage, precision and determination at the borders to counter the cold blooded killing of innocent tourists in Pahalgam. Am very confident that our selfless bravehearts will bring the enemies to their knees."

Operation Sindoor: Karnataka govt cracks down on fake, provocative content online

In the backdrop of Operation Sindoor and rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Karnataka government has moved to curb the spread of false and provocative content online.

The state Home Ministry is holding a high-level meeting with the Internal Security Division (ISD) and the Department of Information Technology to formulate a response.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara, speaking to the media in Bengaluru, said, “I have convened a meeting with the ISD regarding the growing spread of fake news in the state. IT Minister Priyank Kharge will also be participating.”

Parameshwara expressed concern over the circulation of misleading and inflammatory content on social media.

"Old videos are being reposted, provocative content is being shared, and false narratives are being pushed. The meeting will focus on identifying technical measures to counter this trend," he added.

Karnataka CM convenes special meeting amid rising tensions with Pak

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has convened a high-level meeting in Bengaluru on Saturday evening to assess the state’s preparedness amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.

The meeting, scheduled for 4 pm, will focus on ensuring the availability of essential commodities and services in the event of a war. It will be attended by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, senior officials from the Home and Revenue Departments, and other key ministries.

Speaking to the media, Parameshwara said, “The Chief Minister will review the state’s readiness and issue directives on the management of vital supplies like water, food grains, and medical services. Updates will be sought from all concerned departments.”

Punjab Police and Civil Administration Fully Prepared to Address Challenges in Border Areas

Aam Aadmi Party Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora emphasized the AAP government’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s security, assuring that Punjab government and its three crore citizens stand firmly with the Indian Army in safeguarding the country.

Minister Arora commended the Indian Army for its vigilant and decisive actions in countering threats, stating, "The Army is delivering a strong and resolute response to the country’s enemies. It is the responsibility of every citizen to support the Army’s efforts and uphold the nation’s unity and security."

To ensure the safety and well-being of the population in border areas, the Punjab government has implemented several measures. Arora highlighted that each of the border districts, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka, has been placed on high alert. “Two ministers and senior officers have been deployed in every border district to oversee the situation on the ground. They are working closely with the local administration to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services such as ration, health, and fire services,” he added.

CAG report on air pollution to be discussed in Delhi Assembly session, beginning May 13

The Delhi government is tipped to review the follow-up action taken on CAG reports on air pollution and the excise policy in the second part of the Budget Session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly, scheduled to commence on May 13, said an official on Friday.

A Delhi BJP leader said the government may also bring in a resolution hailing 'Operation Sindoor' and thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decisive action against terror.

On April 1, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta tabled the CAG report on 'Performance Audit on Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi' in the Assembly, which "exposed" gaps and loopholes in the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's functioning.

The report found many shortcomings and discrepancies in the AAP government's policies towards checking vehicular emissions and pollution control certification.

Holding the previous government accountable for "glaring lapses" in Pollution Under Control certification, it said: "The system for issuing ‘fitness’ certificates to commercial

Jai Hind Yatra: India is strong and we will face the enemy, says Karnataka Congress

A 'Jai Hind Yatra' was held by the Karnataka unit of the Congress party on Friday in Bengaluru in support of the Indian security forces which are carrying out 'Operation Sindoor' in retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre in which 26 people were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Congress leaders said that "irrespective of Pakistan’s misadventures, India is strong and we will face the enemy."

The 'Jai Hind Yatra' by the Congress took place from K.R. Circle to Minsk Square in Bengaluru, under the leadership of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Ministers H.K. Patil, G. Parameshwara, K.H. Muniyappa, H.C. Mahadevappa, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Priyank Kharge, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Bose Raju, and Chief Whip of the Legislative Council Saleem Ahmed, along with MLA Rizwan Arshad and others participated in the march.

Punjab Cabinet decides to deploy nine anti-drone systems along Pakistan border

The Punjab Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Friday decided to deploy nine anti-drone systems along the Pakistan border.

"We are ready to foil Pakistan's conspiracy as monitoring will be done through a high-tech system," a statement issued by the Punjab government said.

It said the government's action "is a big step to break the back of terrorism". It said the government is in an action mode as the drug trade that funds terrorism will be ended.

The government will be deploying the anti-drone system for the first time to stop drug smuggling through drones, the statement read.

"Also, the border security will now be more robust," it said, adding that the AAP government "shows political will".

In another major decision, the Cabinet included war victims and terror victims under the 'Farishte Yojana' to get free treatment.

Gujarat CM Patel chairs high-level security review amid India-Pakistan tensions

 As cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan intensify, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a high-level meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar on Friday to assess the state's security and emergency preparedness, particularly in sensitive border and coastal areas.

The meeting brought together top officials from the Home Department, Disaster Management Authority, and State Police, who briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing coordination efforts and response mechanisms in light of heightened threats.

Key attendees included Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Director General of Police Vikas Sahay, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Revenue Additional Chief Secretary Jayanti Ravi, Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey, and senior representatives from the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Coast Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force units stationed in Gujarat. Officials from all state departments, as well as district collectors and police chiefs, joined the meeting via video conference to ensure a unified response framework across the state.

Defence Ministry advisory: Refrain from live coverage of operations, security forces' movement

The Ministry of Defence on Friday issued an advisory to the media to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces.

In a post on its social media handle X, the Ministry said, "All media channels, digital platforms and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces."

The MoD said that the disclosure of such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardise operational effectiveness and endanger lives.

It also cited past incidents like the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking, which underscore the risks of premature reporting.

The Ministry said that as per clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, only periodic briefings by designated officials are permitted during anti-terror operations.

Haryana imposes ban on leave of officers, employees of Health Dept

Haryana’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao on Thursday said due to the tense situation with Pakistan, the government has decided to impose a ban on the leave of all officers and employees working in the Health Department.

She said this decision has been taken to ensure continuity, efficiency and quick response of health services in the state.

“In this hour of crisis, the health system of the state should remain fully active so that any emergency can be dealt with and necessary medical facilities can be made available to the public immediately,” she said in a statement.

Crucial meeting of Bengal Cabinet on May 14 to finalise SOPs to prevent circulation of fake, hate messages

A crucial meeting of the West Bengal Cabinet has been convened on May 14 at the state secretariat Nabanna, reportedly to decide on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent circulation of fake information and hate messages through social media.

This is being done in the wake of the current situation amid the Indian military’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ crushing several terror points in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

The state’s Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, issued a notification informing about the proposed meeting at the state secretariat at 4 p.m. on May 14, where all Cabinet members and Ministers of State have been requested to be present.

Prime Minister Modi has exemplified Kautilya's philosophy in action: V-P Dhankhar

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a great visionary leader and also drew a parallel between him and Kautilya, the legendary strategist and author of the Arthashastra.

The Vice-President, addressing a gathering in the national Capital said, “Our Prime Minister has exemplified Kautilya's philosophy in action.”

“Kautilya’s thought process is a treatise in governance, virtually encyclopedic for every facet of governance i.e. statecraft, security, role of the king and of those elected,” he added.

He also stated India’s long-standing priority as a peace-loving nation and stated that Bharat has always believed in global peace, global fraternity and global welfare.

His remarks come in the backdrop of India launching a strong retaliation on terror camps and killing those who inflicted terror in Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

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