Name: BJP's Tamil Nadu star Annamalai's bleak ballot debut
Uploaded: 2024-06-04T20:47:28.000+05:30
Duration: T00M46S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: The former police officer-turned-politician fought this election by poking holes in the Dravidian model of governance of the DMK and ADMK. But, he wasn't able to woo the voters.

Thane police seized 10.5 tonnes of Khair wood, valued at ₹31.72 lakh, and arrested driver Anilkumar Gupta. Investigations into a broader smuggling network are underway.

Thane police seize illegal khair wood consignment

10.5 tonnes of valued Khair wood seized by Thane police, driver arrested on suspicion of smuggling. Investigation into a broader network initiated.

Thane police seized 10.5 tonnes of Khair wood valued at ₹31.72 lakh, arresting the truck driver Anilkumar Gupta. A larger smuggling operation is suspected.

Police seized 10.5 tonnes of khair wood, valued at Rs 31 lakh, from a truck in Thane and arrested its driver, a crime branch official said on Wednesday.
Khair wood, commonly used in the production of catechu and known for its commercial value, is a protected forest resource.
Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted a truck near Nitin Naka in Panchpakhadi area around 1 AM on June 17 and seized Khair wood logs, senior police inspector Salil Bhosale said.
"The market value of the wood is estimated at Rs 31,72,500. In addition, police also seized the truck used in transportation, valued at Rs 10 lakh," he said.
Police arrested the truck driver, identified as Anilkumar Gupta (54), a resident of Dhule, under section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Indian Forest Act.
Police suspect a larger smuggling network could be involved, and further inquiries are underway.

In a viral Fatehpur temple incident, a priest was assaulted over extra laddus by Rammu Singh and sons. The clash, captured on CCTV, led to FIRs and ongoing police pursuits highlighting religious tensions.

Priest attacked in Fatehpur temple laddu dispute

At Fatehpur's Bade Hanuman Mandir, a priest was assaulted over extra laddus by a family. The incident, caught on CCTV and resulting in FIRs, underscores tensions even in sacred spaces as police search for the accused.

Incident at Fatehpur's Bade Hanuman Mandir led to priest's assault over extra laddus, resulting in FIR against Rammu Singh and his sons.

Four people have been booked for roughening up a priest who took extra laddus from a prayer tray at a Fatehpur temple, an official said on Wednesday.
An FIR was registered at the Khaga police station against Rammu Singh and his three sons Amit Singh, Lalit Singh and Ajay Singh, based on a complaint filed by the priest, Vikas Tiwari, on Tuesday.
According to Station House Officer Rajesh Kumar Singh, the incident happened at Bade Hanuman Mandir in Fatehpur on Sunday night. A heated argument broke out when the priest allegedly took a couple of extra laddus from the prayer tray offered by Rammu Singh and his sons. The situation quickly turned violent, when the four devotees attacked Tiwari. A video of the incident, captured by CCTV cameras in the temple, has gone viral.
"The accused also misbehaved with other devotees who attempted to intervene," the SHO said.
Fatehpur's Superintendent of Police Anoop Kumar Singh confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against Rammu Singh and his sons. He said efforts are on to nab the accused, who have gone into hiding since the incident.
The case has been registered under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), and 353 (public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The EC has revised its voter card delivery to 15 days. New IT systems, real-time tracking, and SMS updates optimize the process while ensuring data security.

EC Reduces Voter Card Delivery Time to 15 Days

With a new SOP, the Election Commission cut voter identity card delivery time to 15 days, enabling real-time tracking and transparent, efficient service.

The EC has reduced the voter card delivery time to 15 days, with real-time tracking, SMS updates, and an efficient IT system, enhancing transparency and data security.

The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday said voter identity cards will now be delivered to electors within 15 days, virtually halving the time taken.
Till now, it took a little over a month for the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to be delivered to the voters, officials pointed out.
The EC said a new standard operating procedure (SOP) has been introduced to ensure that voter cards are delivered within 15 days of new enrolment of an elector or change in particulars of an existing voter.
The new system will ensure real-time tracking of each stage right from the EPIC generation by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) till the delivery of the card to the elector through the Department of Posts (DoP), the poll authority said.
The electors will also receive notifications via SMS at each stage, keeping them informed about the status of their EPIC, it noted.
For this purpose, the EC has introduced a dedicated IT module on its recently launched ECINet platform.
The new IT platform will replace the existing process by re-engineering the current system and streamlining the workflow.
The DoP's Application Programme Interface (API) will be integrated with the ECINet for seamless delivery, the EC said.
This initiative aims to enhance service delivery while maintaining data security. In the past four months, the Commission has taken various initiatives for the benefit of electors and other stakeholders.

Hyderabad's Begumpet and RGIA airports dealt with bomb hoaxes. Prompt actions ensured safety despite the false alarms, with ongoing investigations.

Bomb Threats Hoaxes at Hyderabad Airports

Hyderabad's Begumpet and RGIA airports were targets of bomb hoaxes. Despite the threats being false, thorough security protocols guaranteed safety, underscoring their preparedness for such challenges.

Hyderabad airports faced bomb hoax threats. Begumpet and RGIA's rigorous security ensured safety and eventual threat resolution.

The Begumpet airport in the city on Wednesday received a bomb threat via email, which turned out to be a hoax, police said.
The airport authorities received the email on Wednesday morning, and thorough checks were conducted at the premises by the bomb disposal squad and other security wings.
Fire service was also deployed during the checks, police said, adding that the bomb threat was found to be a hoax.
Further investigation was underway.
The airport at Begumpet in the heart of the city is not used for passenger services, and only VIP aircraft are operated from the facility.
Meanwhile, a bomb threat mail targeting a Qatar Airways cargo flight was received at the RGI airport on city outskirts on Wednesday, which was found to be hoax after thorough checks.
The email claimed the presence of a human bomb in the cargo flight and the threat turned out to be a hoax, police said.
The mail was sent to the customer care id of the airport in the morning and all procedures were followed as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), airport sources said.
As per the SOP, an emergency was declared in the airport, fire and security teams were put on standby till the aircraft landed safely and a temporary bomb threat assessment committee (comprising representatives of airport security, police and others) was also formed.
The aircraft landed safely and it was taken to an isolation bay and thorough checks were carried out, they said.

Uttar Pradesh government introduces 'Y-Break' yoga sessions in offices to enhance wellness and productivity among employees, emphasizing India's yogic heritage.

Uttar Pradesh Offices Embrace Yoga For Wellness

The Uttar Pradesh government integrates 'Y-Break' yoga sessions into office routines to foster a healthier work environment, promoting wellness and mindfulness.

Uttar Pradesh government introduces 'Y-Break' yoga sessions in offices to promote wellness and productivity among employees.

Ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to integrate yoga into daily governance and office culture with implementation of 'Y-Break' protocol.
Acting on the Ministry of AYUSH's guidance, the state has directed all government offices to implement the 'Y-Break' Yoga Protocol, an official statement issued on Wednesday said.
The initiative not only upholds India's yogic heritage but also promotes a stress-free, healthier work environment by making yoga breaks a regular part of the daily routine, it said.
Y-Break is a short-duration yoga session specially designed for office and desk workers. Lasting 5 to 10 minutes, it includes light movements targeting the neck, back and waist, along with deep breathing and mindfulness exercises.
Its goal is to reduce mental fatigue, release physical stiffness, refresh the mind and restore focus and energy.
To promote yoga widely, the Union government digital tools, such as Namaste Yoga App, Y-Break App, Yoga Calendar and Yoga Glossary, will be used extensively, it said.
Awareness campaigns will be run to ensure these tools are actively adopted by employees and the public alike.
The state government also aims to foster a yoga culture at the grassroots level.
To achieve this, NGOs will be engaged to connect yoga experts for conducting Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) workshops and online training sessions.
Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) will also be mobilised to ensure yoga becomes an integral part of daily life &mdash; not just for government employees, but for the wider community, the statement said.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta endorses Ayurveda, highlighting its absence of side effects. She announces expansive yoga events for International Yoga Day, emphasizing traditional health practices.

Delhi CM Advocates Ayurveda, Yoga Initiatives

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta praises Ayurveda's safety over allopathy. Announces extensive yoga events for International Yoga Day and past admin's neglect criticized. Focus on health through Ayurveda and yoga.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta promotes Ayurveda over allopathy, announcing citywide yoga events for International Yoga Day, reflecting her commitment to traditional health practices.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday said "allopathic medicines", or conventional modern medicine, may sometimes have side effects but Ayurvedic treatments are generally free from them.
Speaking at the inauguration of an Ayurvedic cafe, Soma-The Ayurvedic Kitchen, at a hospital in Shalimar Bagh, Gupta also announced that the Delhi government will organise large-scale yoga programmes at 11 locations across the city on June 21 to mark International Yoga Day.
Food at the cafe will be based on the Ayurvedic diet, an official of the hospital said.
The CM urged people to visit the Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital to get Ayurvedic treatment. Many foreigners who believe in Ayurveda often come to the hospital for treatment, she said.
Gupta said, "We are fortunate that our saints introduced us to Ayurveda through various scriptures. Today, along with allopathic medicine, we also have access to Ayurveda." The chief minister also remarked that while allopathic medicines may sometimes have side effects, Ayurvedic treatments are generally free from such issues.
Gupta slammed the previous AAP government for not giving importance to yoga. She said she would participate at a yoga event at Yamuna Bank.
"They never gave importance to yoga, as they associated it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," she said, adding that Modi took yoga to the global stage, and "it is now followed around the world".
"We must all take care of our health. Only when we are healthy can we serve the nation," Gupta added.

Calcutta High Court orders MGNREGA restart in West Bengal from August 1, mandating special conditions to prevent past irregularities, boosting rural employment.

Calcutta HC Resumes MGNREGA in West Bengal

Calcutta High Court directs MGNREGA revival in West Bengal with implementation from August 1, emphasizing oversight to prevent past mishaps and supporting rural employment.

Calcutta High Court orders MGNREGA resumption in West Bengal from August 1 with special oversight to prevent past irregularities, ensuring scheme benefits rural employment.

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the center to implement the MGNREGA scheme prospectively in West Bengal from August 1.
The HC said the center is empowered to impose special conditions, restrictions, and regulations, which have not been imposed in other states of the country, so as to ensure that no illegality or irregularity occurs when the scheme is being implemented in the state.
Allowing the center to continue its inquiry into the allegations of irregularities in some districts of the state, a division bench presided over by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam directed that the scheme be implemented prospectively with effect from August 1.
The court directed that the authorities in charge of the implementation of the scheme are entitled to impose special conditions to ensure that whatever had occurred three years prior should not recur.
The court said that it is not in dispute that certain irregularities have been pointed out by the Centre in the disbursement of wages under the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scheme.
The bench, also comprising Justice Chaitali Chatterjee (Das), noted that with regard to allegations of irregularities, action has been initiated, recoveries made and that such amount is being maintained in a bank account of the state nodal agency of MGNREGS, West Bengal.
The division bench said that at this juncture, the endeavour of the court is to ensure implementation of the scheme, which has been kept in abeyance for the past close to three years in the state.
The court said that no one can allow a person who illegally took advantage of the scheme to go scot-free.
"At this juncture, the court is concerned about the implementation of the scheme in West Bengal prospectively," the bench observed.
"The scheme of the Act does not envisage a situation where the scheme would be put to cold storage for eternity," it said.
The bench said that the Centre has sufficient powers to inquire into irregularities or illegalities in the manner of disbursement of the wages.
The court said that there can, however, be a line drawn between past actions and future steps to be taken to implement the scheme.
It said that this would be "in public interest" and subserve the object and purpose for which the central law was enacted.

In Baramati, Ajit and Sharad Pawar engage in a pivotal electoral battle over the Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Mill, highlighting intricate political dynamics and family tensions.

Ajit Pawar Sharad Pawar sugar mill clash

Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar are embroiled in a complex political battle over Baramati's Malegaon Sugar Mill. The electoral clash underscores family dynamics and cooperative significance.

Ajit Pawar, vying for control of the Malegaon Sugar Mill, faces a rival faction led by Sharad Pawar in a complex political drama involving Maharashtra's cooperative dynamics.

After Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar entered the election fray for the Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Mill in Baramati, the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) led by his estranged uncle Sharad Pawar, too, has jumped into the poll arena and floated a rival panel.
Addressing party workers and also members of the sugar mill from half a dozen villages in Baramati taluka, who form the electoral college (voters) for the poll, Sharad Pawar on Wednesday cautioned that allurements may be offered during the campaign, and urged them not to fall prey to them.
Election to the 21-member board of directors of the cooperative sugar mill in Baramati, the home turf of the Pawar family, is scheduled on June 22 and results will be announced on June 24.
Ajit Pawar, who is among 90 candidates in the fray, is contesting election to a cooperative sugar mill after more than four decades. He is a candidate of the Nilkantheshwar panel, which currently holds power in the sugar mill.
Candidates are contesting the poll under the banner of different panels and not on party tickets.
Besides the Nilkantheshwar panel and the Sahakar Bachav panel, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) has entered the fray after floating the 'Baliraja Sahakar Bachav' panel, making the contest triangular. Sharad Pawar is not directly in the fray.
The Baliraja Sahakar Bachav panel has fielded 20 candidates and the Nilkantheshwar panel 21.
Speaking to reporters after addressing the voters, the senior Pawar said if people associated with the NCP (SP) had been taken along (by the Ajit Pawar-backed ruling panel), there would have been no need for his party to float a rival panel for the polls.
"Even today, we do not wish to take such a position. However, the party was compelled to take a stand due to circumstances that arose. Had an approach of taking everyone along been taken, this situation (floating rival panel) could have been avoided. But let bygones be bygones," said the former Union minister.
Before the 2023 split in the NCP, only one panel (Nilkantheshwar) represented the Pawar family on the board of the sugar mill.
Sharad Pawar asserted he does not see this disagreement as a long-term issue (between rival NCP groups).
"It is limited to this particular election, which involves only 19,000 voters -- members of the mill who are eligible to vote," he said.
Addressing party workers ahead of the poll, the senior Pawar insisted that while working for cooperatives in Maharashtra, he never brought politics into the key sector which has deep roots and wide network in the state.
"In the poll, some panels are contesting. In democracy, everyone has that right. I have no complaints about it. My only appeal is that after the poll, emphasis should be given to solving issues faced by people here," the veteran politician said.
The senior Pawar highlighted the pollution in the Nira river caused due to flow of wastes generated by sugar mills and said he was committed to address this issue as it is causing health hazards.
"During the poll, some people might misuse power and offer allurements, but ensure not to sell your votes, come what may," he maintained.

A landslide on the Kedarnath trek route resulted in two fatalities and three injuries. The incident led to a challenging rescue operation. The route remains operational with enhanced security while authorities work to confirm victim identities.

Kedarnath landslide kills two injures three

On Kedarnath's trek route, a landslide claimed two lives and injured three. Emergency teams conducted challenging rescues. The pilgrimage route stays open under heightened security, with authorities confirming victim identities.

A landslide on the Kedarnath trek route resulted in two deaths and three injuries. Emergency teams and locals conducted a challenging rescue. The injured are in a Gaurikund facility. Enhanced security ensures the route's operation.

A landslide on the trek route to the Kedarnath shrine left two people dead and three other injured on Wednesday, police said.
The landslide occurred at 11.20 am near Junglechatti ghat along the route with boulders rolling down the hillside hitting pilgrims and palanquin and porter operators, Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde said.
They fell into a gorge after being hit by the rubble of the landslide, he said. Police and SDRF personnel rushed to the spot and launched a search and rescue operation, he said.
Police and SDRF personnel as well as locals had a tough time pulling out the dead as well as the injured out of the gorge with the help of ropes. Two persons died on the spot while three others, including a woman, were injured. The woman sustained minor injuries while the seriously injured men were referred to a health centre in Gaurikund, the SP said.
The identities of the victims are being ascertained.
The movement of pilgrims along the route continues under police protection, Konde said.

Chhattisgarh's new Tiger Foundation Society aims to conserve its declining tiger population. The state also boosts renewable energy with financial aid for solar installations.

Tiger and Solar Initiatives in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh's Tiger Foundation Society focuses on wildlife conservation and boosting eco-tourism. Simultaneously, the state promotes renewable energy by offering financial aid for solar rooftop installations.

Chhattisgarh's Tiger Foundation Society aims to conserve diminishing tiger population by engaging local communities and promoting eco-tourism, while a scheme supports solar panel installations for renewable energy use.

The Chhattisgarh government on Wednesday decided to set up a tiger foundation society in order to address the dwindling population of big cats in the state and take measures for their conservation, officials said.
The decision to constitute the 'Chhattisgarh Tiger Foundation Society' was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his official residence here, a public relations department official said.
The Chhattisgarh Tiger Foundation Society will function under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. A similar society has been operational in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh since 1996, an official statement said.
Chhattisgarh state came into existence on November 1, 2000 after being carved out of Madhya Pradesh. There are four tiger reserves in the state.
The society is aimed at conserving the continuously declining tiger population in Chhattisgarh, currently around 20, it said.
This institution (society) will be self-financed, which will not put any additional burden on the government exchequer. It will raise funds from individuals and institutions. This society will be directly involved in activities related to the conservation of tigers and other wildlife, the release said.
"It will promote eco-tourism with the participation of the local community, which will not only increase tourism but also create employment and income opportunities for the local people. Besides, it will encourage environmental education, research and training, thereby helping in making future conservationists," it said.
The initiative will ensure availability of external funds, expertise and resources for conservation, which will provide new employment opportunities to local communities and maintain the environmental balance of the state, it added.
It will prove to be a milestone in the field of wildlife conservation in Chhattisgarh, which will protect biodiversity as well as give a strong base to promote eco-tourism, the release said.
In another key decision, the cabinet gave its nod to provide financial assistance to consumers for setting up solar rooftop plants in their houses under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to promote renewable energy, it said.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) will provide additional financial assistance to consumers other than Centre's central financial aid, for installing solar rooftop plants at the homes of domestic consumers, which will vary based on the capacity of the solar plant (1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW and above), it said.
A total of Rs 45,000 will be provided for a 1 kW plant (Rs 30,000 as central assistance and Rs 15,000 as state aid), while for a plant of 3 kW or more, the assistance will be Rs 1,08,000 (Rs 78,000 as central assistance and Rs 30,000 as state aid), it said.
Similar assistance has been proposed for housing societies/residential welfare associations. This grant amount will be received by CSPDCL in advance and will be disbursed later to the beneficiaries. A target has been set to install 60,000 such solar power plants in 2025-26, and 70,000 solar power plants in 2026-27. This will entail a financial burden of Rs 180 crore in the financial year 2025-26 and Rs 210 crore in 2026-27, it said.
The CSPDCL will be the implementing agency of this scheme as per the guidelines of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), it added.

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The former police officer-turned-politician fought this election by poking holes in the Dravidian model of governance of the DMK and ADMK. But, he wasn't able to woo the voters.

BJP's Tamil Nadu star Annamalai's bleak ballot debut

The former police officer-turned-politician fought this election by poking holes in the Dravidian model of governance of the DMK and ADMK. But, he wasn't able to woo the voters.

June 4 was supposed to be a special day for Tamil Nadu's BJP leader K Annamalai. As, he was not only expected to snatch his maiden maiden electoral victory&nbsp;from the Coimbatore constituency, where BJP has a strong presence, but also because today was his birthday.
The former police officer-turned-politician fought this election by poking holes in the Dravidian model of governance of the DMK and ADMK. But, he wasn't able to woo the voters.
The firebrand leader was last observed to be trailing behind DMK's Ganapathi P Raj Kumar by over 84,000 votes.
The 40-year-old leader had garnered over 3 lakh votes and emerged second in the contestant's list.&nbsp;

The TMC accuses EC of bias in awarding a webcasting service tender, favoring a Gujarat company and sidelining local startups for the West Bengal bypoll.

TMC Alleges Bias in The Tender Process of EC

TMC accuses the EC of bias in webcasting tender, favoring a Gujarat firm over local startups. Calls for review citing transparency issues.

TMC accuses EC of tender bias for West Bengal bypoll, favoring a Gujarat firm over local startups. They urge the Chief Election Commissioner to review the process, citing transparency concerns.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday alleged irregularities in the Election Commission&rsquo;s (EC) tender process for webcasting services for the upcoming Kaliaganj bypoll in West Bengal on June 19.
Senior TMC leader and minister Chandrima Bhattacharya claimed a Gujarat-based company was awarded the tender in a non-transparent manner, not just for the bypoll but also for the entire 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
"This proves that the tender process was not transparent," she told a press meet here.
TMC leader and minister Firhad Hakim, raising the issue during zero hour in the Assembly, questioned why local startups from Bengal were overlooked despite submitting bids.
Speaking to reporters later, Hakim demanded an explanation from the Chief Electoral Officer&rsquo;s office, accusing it of misusing taxpayer money.
In a letter to the office of the Chief Election Commissioner, the TMC said, "The noble intention of webcasting - a critical measure to ensure continuous live streaming of polling activities both inside and outside the booths - appears to have been marred by procedural anomalies and restrictive conditions." "It is reliably learnt that the tender for Kaliganj appears to be unduly restrictive and contrary to the spirit of open competition. As a result, only three agencies could qualify. More concerning is the reported selection of an agency from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which quoted a higher financial bid compared to others, and yet it was awarded the contract on the basis of a technical evaluation process that seems to favour a predetermined outcome," the letter said.
"It is disheartening to note that agencies with a proven track record - having successfully delivered webcasting services in previous elections in accordance with EC norms - have been unfairly sidelined. These agencies, which have consistently demonstrated capacity and compliance, appear to have been denied a level playing field to upgrade and adapt to future challenges," the letter said.
Apprehending this might compromise competitive neutrality in future, the letter urges the CEC to "take urgent and appropriate steps to review the entire selection process".

PM Narendra Modi's visit to Croatia marks a significant event. Engaging in high-level discussions with PM Plenković, the visit aims to deepen India-Croatia ties across key sectors.

Historic Visit of Modi to Croatia Strengthening Ties

Modi's visit to Croatia marks a historic milestone, enhancing bilateral ties as he meets Croatian PM Plenković. This visit opens new cooperation avenues in various sectors.

PM Modi's visit to Croatia marks a historic milestone as the first Indian premier to do so, fostering enhanced bilateral ties and cooperation across various sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held delegation-level talks with Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenković to discuss a range of issues to boost bilateral ties.
Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Balkan nation, arrived here earlier in the day on the last leg of his three-nation tour.
He was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival for the talks.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were present during the talks.
Modi will also meet President Zoran Milanovic.
"Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest," Modi said ahead of his visit.
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Plenković received PM Modi at the airport upon his arrival from Canada.
Plenković said that Modi's visit came at an important geopolitical moment.
"We welcomed Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi to Zagreb! This is the first ever visit by the Prime Minister of India - the most populous country in the world, which comes at an important geopolitical moment," Plenković said on X.
He said the two countries are starting a new chapter in their relations and are creating conditions for strengthening bilateral cooperation in multiple areas and sectors.
"The visit to Croatia will also underscore India's commitment to further strengthening its engagement with partners in the European Union," the Ministry of External Affairs earlier said in a statement in New Delhi.
In Canada, the Prime Minister attended the G7 summit and held talks with several world leaders. He had earlier visited Cyprus as part of the tour.

An IndiGo flight faced a 40-minute delay due to a door technical issue after landing in Raipur. High-profile passengers onboard included Bhupesh Baghel. The incident highlighted aviation safety concerns, especially post-Ahmedabad tragedy.

IndiGo Flight Door Issue Causes Delay

An unexpected 40-minute delay occurred on IndiGo flight 6E-6313 from Delhi to Raipur due to a technical door issue. With high-profile passengers onboard, the incident emphasized aviation safety in the wake of recent tragedies. IndiGo has apologized for the inconvenience.

Passengers on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Raipur faced a 40-minute delay due to a technical issue with the aircraft door.

Passengers of Delhi-Raipur IndiGo flight on Wednesday found themselves stuck inside the aircraft for nearly 40 minutes after landing as a technical snag prevented the door from opening. The incident stirred unease among the passengers, particularly in the wake of recent aviation incidents which included the crash of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad last Thursday killing 270 people.
Among the passengers on flight 6E-6313 were former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Raipur Mayor Meenal Choubey.
Choubey told PTI over the phone that after landing in Raipur around 2.20 pm, the door of the flight remained locked for more than 30 minutes.
"When we asked about the reason for the delay in opening the door, the crew said there was some technical problem, and they were trying to open it. "After 30 minutes, we asked them to seek assistance from the people outside. Then the people on the ground opened the door," she said.
While making it clear that the passengers weren't "scared," Choubey admitted that "after the Ahmedabad (air crash) incident, minor glitches also remind you of that tragedy." Senior Congress leader and the former chief minister Baghel also told reporters at the airport that the passengers remained stranded inside the aircraft for 40 minutes as the door remained closed.
Later IndiGo spokesperson acknowledged the incident and expressed regret saying the "flight 6E 6313, operating from Delhi to Raipur, experienced a delay in opening the aircraft door upon arrival on June 18, 2025, due to a minor technical issue.
"Following standard safety procedures, the door was opened after necessary checks were completed. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate our customers' patience and understanding."&nbsp;

Finance Minister urges fintech startups to tackle digital fraud, emphasizing innovation and global market opportunities, with a call to support MSMEs.

Fintech Urged to Combat Digital Fraud: Sitharaman

Finance Minister Sitharaman urges fintech startups to develop anti-fraud measures, focusing on innovation and global opportunities, while supporting finance growth.

Nirmala Sitharaman urges fintech startups to innovate against digital fraud, highlighting growth and global opportunities.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday asked fintech startups to come out with solutions to deal with the rising incidence of digital arrests, cheating by fly-by-night operators, and other kinds of cyberfrauds.
Lauding the success of fintechs, the Finance Minister said they have helped in speeding up financial inclusion, and taking the payment system to even the far-flung areas of the country.
Speaking at the Digital Payments Awards 2025 Ceremony here, Sitharaman said it is important to ensure that startup companies come up with solutions so that people are not arrested at home digitally, or fly by night operators don't take away their money.
Another major threat, she pointed out, is 'deep fake', which is causing a lot of damage to the public in large.
"Today, we should take care of addressing them so we need a set of fintech companies which are constantly working to give solutions for the newer challenges which are arising," Sitharaman said.
She also called upon the fintech sector to further expand the digital lending facilities to the key MSME sector.
Sitharaman further said Indian fintech innovations have the potential to become global public goods that can benefit other emerging and developed economies. This will open new markets for our firms.
International merchant payments through UPI are now accepted at select merchant outlets in seven countries, including Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the UAE.
"Our players must aim to export our successful models abroad and capture global markets. We have the talent, we have the market scale, and we have the proven solutions," she said.
This, she said, will open up new markets for domestic firms.
Indian fintech market is projected to grow to over USD 400 billion by 2028-29.
"That's not too far away. Just three years. Reflecting on an anticipated annual growth of 30 per cent. The scale of opportunity is immense. I firmly believe its best chapters are yet to be written.
"Together, let us &lsquo;Innovate, Include, and Inspire&rsquo;. Innovate new solutions fearlessly, include every citizen in your vision, and inspire the world with what India can achieve," she said.
Noting that India now actually accounts for almost half of all real-time digital transactions in the world, she said direct benefit transfer (DBT) has saved a lot money by plugging leakages.
About Rs 44 lakh crore have been transferred through DBT since 2014 and Rs 3.48 lakh crore have been saved.
The Minister said the speed at which innovation is happening in India is just a dream for many other countries.
"Several advanced countries are nowhere close to the kind of momentum our fintech companies have achieved, not just in terms of progress in their respective areas, but also in creating entirely new paradigms. This is something which is very unique of the Indian fintech sector," she said.
A World Bank study noted that through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), India achieved an 80 per cent financial inclusion rate in just six years.
Some observers who have gone through this report have said that this feat would have otherwise taken nearly 50 years, Sitharaman said.

Mamata Banerjee urges the Centre to release pending MGNREGA funds, critiques BJP's Bengal day move. Her plea follows Calcutta High Court's directive amidst payment delays.

Mamata Banerjee Demands MGNREGA Funds Release

West Bengal’s CM Mamata Banerjee calls for urgent release of MGNREGA funds, questions BJP’s Bengal initiatives, and highlights payment issues after court’s directive.

Mamata Banerjee urges the center to release pending MGNREGA funds, questioning BJP's moves in Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the central government should release funds pending for the MGNREGA, instead of sending inquiry teams to the state.
Her comment came after the Calcutta High Court directed the Centre to implement the MGNREGA, the 100-day job guarantee scheme, prospectively in West Bengal from August 1.
The high court noted that wages for the scheme were not paid for around three years in the state over allegations of irregularities in disbursals to some of the recipients.
Responding to the court order, Banerjee said, "The Centre is sending teams to Bengal, but first, give us the due money. Not a single rupee has been released for the past few years. This is public money." She further alleged that workers had not been paid for the work already done under the scheme.
"Funds for the 100-day work scheme haven't been released. People worked, but they weren't paid. Who will pay that money? We have paid it from the state government's funds. We are running the 'Karmashree' scheme with our own money," she said.
The chief minister also questioned the BJP's move to celebrate 'Paschim Banga Diwas' on June 20. On that day in 1947, the Bengal Legislative Assembly met and voted in favour of partition.
Banerjee said, "Now you want to come and celebrate 'Bangla Diwas'? Those who have continuously insulted and deprived Bengal are now trying to honour it?" The West Bengal government had last year started disbursing dues to nearly 30 lakh MGNREGA workers, amounting to Rs 2,700 crore, using state funds.
These payments have been pending since March 2022. The Centre's withholding of MGNREGA dues to Bengal has remained a prominent issue in the state's political discourse, with the Trinamool Congress accusing the BJP-led government of "economic discrimination" against the state.
On Wednesday, the Calcutta High Court said the Centre is empowered to impose special conditions, restrictions and regulations, which have not been imposed in other states of the country, so as to ensure that no illegality or irregularity occurs when the scheme is being implemented in West Bengal.
The court also allowed the Centre to continue its enquiry into the allegations of irregularities in some districts of the state.

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