'Jagriti', NCW's new journal, focuses on women-centric narratives and legal advancements, in line with the commission's goal to spotlight women's issues.

Jagriti Journal by NCW Unveiled

The National Commission for Women releases 'Jagriti', a fortnightly journal dedicated to promoting women-centered stories, legal insights, and commission initiatives, with the aim of broadening public awareness and impact.

'Jagriti', a fortnightly journal by NCW, focuses on women-centric stories and legal insights. Launched by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, it aims to enhance the reach of women's narratives and initiatives.

The NCW has launched a fortnightly journal that will feature women-centric stories, legal updates and other key developments.
The journal, "Jagriti", will come out every 15 days and will be available digitally.
Speaking at the launch of the journal, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said the publication aims to ensure that women-centric stories, legal updates and other key developments of the commission get maximum traction.
The first edition of the journal was launched by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Haryana's CM Nayab Singh Saini condemns Punjab's decision to withhold 4,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra dam, calling it political and unconstitutional, urging Punjab to release water unconditionally for state harmony.

Haryana Criticizes Water Decision of Punjab

Haryana's CM Saini criticizes Punjab for withholding water from Bhakra dam, accusing AAP of political maneuvering. The dispute over water allocations deepens amid historical ties between states.

Haryana's CM Nayab Singh Saini criticizes Punjab's refusal to allocate extra water as political. The dispute centers on water from the Bhakra dam. Punjab claims Haryana overused its share, straining ties.

The Haryana Cabinet on Monday strongly condemned Punjab's move to not release 4,500 cusecs of water to the state, with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini accusing the AAP-ruled neighbour of indulging in petty politics over the water-sharing issue.
Addressing a press conference after chairing a meeting of the state Cabinet here, Saini said it strongly condemned a resolution passed unanimously by the Punjab Assembly on Monday, which said &ldquo;not even a single drop of water will be given from its share to Haryana&rdquo;.
&ldquo;The resolution is unconstitutional and against the country's federal structure. It also goes against the teachings of the Sikh gurus. Punjab government should honour the words of the gurus and release water unconditionally,&rdquo; Saini said.
The Punjab government passed the resolution amid a stand-off with Haryana over the distribution of water from the Bhakra dam.
The resolution said that the 4,000 cusecs of water being given to Haryana for drinking purposes will continue as a humanitarian gesture, but not even a drop more will be given, notwithstanding the Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) recent decision to allocate an extra 4,500 cusecs to Haryana.
The row erupted after AAP-ruled Punjab refused to release more water to BJP-ruled Haryana, claiming the latter has "already used 103 per cent of its allocated share of water by March".
&ldquo;I want to tell (Punjab Chief Minister) Bhagwant Mann and Congress leaders that while they talk about the Constitution, they don't respect it. Punjab should unconditionally release water to Haryana," Saini said.
&ldquo;Punjab AAP's conspiracy won't work. People of Haryana and Punjab have ties on each side, but they are trying to create differences among people with their narrow political mindset,&rdquo; Saini alleged.
"Tomorrow, they might pass a resolution in the Vidhan Sabha and claim that Himachal Pradesh is theirs. They can say anything. They may even pass a resolution claiming Pakistan is theirs.
&ldquo;But I want to tell them that it is their responsibility to protect the federal structure. They are acting as if they don't accept the Constitution or the country's federal setup," the chief minister said.
On Chief Minister Mann, Saini said he should stop playing &ldquo;petty politics&rdquo; and focus on development that addresses the basic needs of the people of Punjab.
He also said that just as the people of Punjab have shown the door to Congress, they will do the same with AAP.

A 26-year-old AIIMS Raipur student's alleged suicide highlights work pressure issues. Police begin investigations.

AIIMS Student Suicide: Raipur Tragedy

A 26-year-old student at AIIMS Raipur allegedly died by suicide, citing work pressure in a brief note. Local police are investigating this tragedy, with his family informed post-mortem. More insights from the investigation are awaited.

A 26-year-old AIIMS Raipur student allegedly died by suicide due to work pressure. A brief note was found. Police initiated an ADR.

A 26-year-old post-graduate student of forensic science at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur allegedly committed suicide at his rented flat here, police said on Monday.
A suicide note, purportedly written by him, was found in the flat and it contained four words -- 'work pressure, insomnia and sorry' -- they said.
The MBBS doctor, A Ravi Kumar, was found hanging from the ceiling of his room at his rented apartment in Kabir Nagar in the Chhattisgarh capital on Saturday afternoon, a police official said.
The incident came to light when Kumar's classmate, who is also his room partner, came to the apartment and found it locked from inside. When his repeated knocks on the door went unanswered, his classmate got worried and alerted other students and also police, he said.
Kumar hailed from Hyderabad and joined AIIMS Raipur in 2023 after completing his MBBS. He was pursuing MD in forensic science, according to the police official.
Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) and further investigation was underway, he said, adding the body was handed over to his relatives after post-mortem examination.
A public relations officer (PRO) at AIIMS Raipur informed Kumar had returned from a vacation just last month.
Asked about work pressure at the institute, the PRO said he has not seen the suicide note and police were investigating the matter.

Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury demands Mamata Banerjee's apology over Murshidabad violence and urges for compensation and justice.

Adhir Demands Apology from Mamata for Murshidabad Unrest

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury urges Mamata Banerjee's apology for Murshidabad violence tied to anti-Waqf protests. Criticizes law order, demands justice.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to apologize for communal violence in Murshidabad, criticized law enforcement, and demanded compensation and justice for affected families.

Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should apologise to the people of Murshidabad for the communal violence that took place in the district over anti-Waqf Act protests.
Chowdhury, a former MP from Murshidabad's Berhampore, also alleged that law and order in the state has been consistently deteriorating, causing an increase in cases of murder, rape and loot.
"Mamata Banerjee should adequately compensate the affected families as well as provide permanent jobs. The culprits must be arrested and strict action taken against them," he told reporters.
"The CM should also apologise to the people of Murshidabad for the incidents of violence," the Congress leader said.
Violence erupted in Murshidabad's Dhuliyan, Samserganj and some other places of the district during the anti-Waqf Amendment Act protests in the second week of April, claiming the lives of three persons.
The chief minister is currently on a two-day trip to the violence-hit areas of Murshidabad. She is scheduled to meet the victims and their families, and distribute compensation. Banerjee is also slated to hand over monetary assistance to those whose houses were damaged in the riots.
A total of 109 houses have been damaged in the violence, a survey conducted by the state government showed.
"Law and order in West Bengal has deteriorated immensely. People are not getting justice. Incidents of rape, murder and theft are happening all over Bengal," Chowdhury claimed.

CM Fadnavis consults with Amit Shah on Maharashtra's key issues and leads a strategic session for Bhonsala University's establishment.

Fadnavis Meets Amit Shah, Promotes Bhonsala University

CM Fadnavis tackled key issues with Amit Shah, focusing on state development. Explores establishing Bhonsala University in Nagpur with educational experts.

CM Fadnavis discussed unresolved state matters with Amit Shah while advancing Bhonsala University's establishment in Nagpur.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss certain issues related to the state government requiring approvals from the Centre.
The meeting took place at the residence of Shah, who is also the Union minister for cooperation.
"Met our leader, Hon Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amitbhai Shah in New Delhi today, as a follow up of some important issues of government of Maharashtra which require approvals from the government of India," Fadnavis said in a post on X.
Earlier, Fadnavis chaired a brainstorming session in the national capital on setting up the Bhonsala University in Nagpur.
The university is being planned by the Nagpur-based Central Hindu Military Education Society that runs the Bhonsala Military School.
The interactive session was moderated by Vijay Chauthaiwale, the BJP's foreign affairs department in-charge.
Several academic experts were present at the meeting.
"Chaired and interacted at a workshop in New Delhi, on Distinct Deemed University to be established in Maharashtra today. Also, heard and welcomed the views of various eminent experts from the education sector," Fadnavis said on X.
In his post on X, Chauthaiwale said, "Today in Delhi, I moderated a brain storming session chaired by Maharashtra's dynamic CM @Dev_Fadnavis ji, a mentor of an ambitious project of setting up world class "BHONSALA UNIVERSITY" in Nagpur. Several prominent academicians of the country gave their valuable inputs," Chauthaiwale said.

Maharashtra's HSC results boast a 91.88% pass rate with girls achieving 94.58%. Konkan leads divisions, while Science tops streams.

Maharashtra HSC Results

The HSC exams in Maharashtra saw a 91.88% pass rate. Girls outperform boys, and Konkan division leads. Science shines with a 97.35% pass rate.

The Maharashtra HSC results saw a 91.88% pass rate, with girls excelling at 94.58% over boys' 89.51%. Konkan led at 96.74%. Science scored highest among streams.

The Maharashtra State Board for Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) on Monday declared the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), or Class 12 results, with 91.88 per cent of students passing the examination.
According to board chairperson Sharad Gosavi, girls outperformed boys again, with a pass percentage of 94.58 compared to 89.51 among boys.
The Konkan division was on top with a pass percentage of 96.74, followed by Kolhapur 93.64, Mumbai 92.93, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 92.24, Amravati 91.43, Pune 91.32, Nashik 91.31, Nagpur 90.52, and Latur 89.46.
A total of 14,27,085 students had registered for the examination held in March, of which 14,17,969 appeared and 13,02,873 passed, he said.
The Science stream recorded the highest pass percentage at 97.35, while 92.68 per cent of students from commerce, 83.26 per cent of vocational and 80.52 per cent from the Arts stream passed the examination, Gosavi said.
&ldquo;It needs to be examined why the result of the Latur division is down,&rdquo; said Latur division chairman Sudhakar Telang.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, students from the Latur region began dominating merit lists in board and entrance exams. The trend, more popular as &lsquo;Latur pattern&rsquo;, became synonymous with academic excellence.
This year, the HSC results have been declared one month earlier, and it will be easier for students to plan for their future education, said Telang.

India and Japan emphasize a united global stance against terrorism post-Pahalgam attack, boosting defense cooperation.

India, Japan Enhance Defense Ties After Attack

India and Japan call for global unity against terrorism post-Pahalgam attack, focusing on defense collaboration and regional security.

India and Japan call for global unity against terrorism post-Pahalgam attack, focusing on enhancing defense ties.

India and Japan on Monday pitched for united global efforts to confront terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh condemning Pakistan's policy of "cross-border" terrorist activities targeting India.
The Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 figured prominently in talks between Singh and his visiting counterpart, Gen. Nakatani, that largely focused on boosting India-Japan defense ties in new areas, including tank engines and aero engines.
"Singh condemned Pakistan's state policy of cross-border terrorism against India, perpetrated through state and non-state actors," the defense ministry said in a readout.
"He stated that such attacks destabilize regional peace and security. Rajnath Singh called for a unified stand against terrorism and the state-sponsored actions that perpetuate it," it said.
The Japanese defense minister expressed his condolences on the death of 26 civilians in the terror attack and offered "full support" to India, the ministry said.
The two ministers agreed to "add new dimensions" to the "robust" maritime cooperation between India and Japan, it said.
Nakatani's visit to India came amid its heightened tensions with Pakistan.
"I would like to thank the government of Japan for their strong expression of solidarity with India in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack," Singh said in his opening remarks at the delegation-level talks that followed a one-on-one meeting.
Minister Nakatani condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.
"India shares a special, strategic, and global partnership with Japan. During the bilateral meeting we discussed defense cooperation and regional security," Singh said in a social media post.
The defense ministry said Singh and Nakatani reviewed the defense and security pillars of the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership.
"They reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening the bilateral relations and contributing towards regional peace," it said.
The ministers welcomed the growing diversity and frequency of defense exercises and exchanges between the two countries and concurred to enhance the "scope and complexity" of these engagements, the readout noted.
In the meeting, Singh outlined the capability of the Indian defense industry, particularly its potential to collaborate with the Japanese side on new areas including tank engines and aero engines.
Singh highlighted the capabilities in the areas of maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations.
"Both sides agreed to enhance industry cooperation, including exploring collaboration in niche domains such as automation and artificial intelligence," according to the ministry.
The two ministers also decided to take forward the cooperation in emerging areas like cyber and space.
"The dialogue ended with a strong commitment by both sides to enhance the bilateral defense cooperation," the defense ministry said.
It was the second meeting between the two defense ministers within six months after their maiden interaction in November on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus at Lao PDR.
At that meeting, Singh and Gen. Nakatani deliberated on a reciprocal provision of supply and services agreement for greater interoperability between their militaries.
The reciprocal supply and services pact, if sealed, would provide for the militaries of the two countries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, besides facilitating the scaling up of overall defense cooperation.

A legal complaint against Tusitha Halloluwa focuses on alleged defamatory statements harming President Dissanayake’s reputation. The case highlights legal measures under Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Act of 2024 against misinformation.

Defamation Case Targets Statement on President Dissanayake

A complaint was filed over purported defamatory statements linked to President Dissanayake, involving former National Lotteries Board executive Tusitha Halloluwa. Investigations under the Online Safety Act emphasize the fight against misinformation.

A legal complaint targets Tusitha Halloluwa for allegedly defamatory statements about President Dissanayake.

A complaint has been filed with the Sri Lankan police over an allegedly "false and defamatory" statement made using President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's name, his office said on Monday. His lawyers lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department on Sunday against Tusitha Halloluwa, the President's Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.
Halloluwa served as the executive director of the National Lotteries Board and the director general of public relations during former president Ranil Wickremesinghe's administration.
&ldquo;The statement in question made using President Dissanayake&rsquo;s name is alleged to be severely damaging to his reputation and character," the statement said, calling it "defamatory and false".
The office said it requests an immediate investigation against Halloluwa as well as social media activists who disseminated the statement online. The PMD did not give details of the alleged defamatory statement.
"It calls for legal action against those responsible for spreading misinformation and tarnishing the president&rsquo;s image," said the statement.
Sri Lankan laws do not permit prosecution for criminal defamation.
Analysts say the action is being sought under the Online Safety Act of 2024, which Dissanayake&rsquo;s party, which was then in opposition, had opposed.

In a tragic incident in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, an elderly couple with disabilities perished in a house fire. The blaze, probably ignited accidentally, left the local community mourning.

Tragic Bijnor House Fire Claims Elderly Couple

An elderly couple with disabilities tragically perished in a Bijnor house fire, believed to have started accidentally. Their loss has left the area in mourning.

An elderly couple with disabilities died in a late-night house fire in Bijnor, UP. Initial reports suggest it may have started accidentally. The community is mourning the loss.

An elderly couple with disabilities was burnt alive after a fire broke out in their house at night in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district, police said on Monday.
The incident came to light on Monday morning when neighbors noticed smoke rising from the house, Circle Officer (Nagina) Anjani Kumar said.
According to the officer, Mahavir Singh (80) and his wife, Omi Devi (75), were in the upper room of their house in Kunjeta village of the Badhapur area when the fire broke out late Sunday.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire might have been triggered by a matchstick used to light a beedi, which possibly ignited the bedding, the officer said.
Due to their physical disabilities, the couple could not escape in time and died of burn injuries, the officer added.
The charred bodies have been sent for postmortem, the officer said.

BJP accuses Congress of demoralizing Indian armed forces post-Pahalgam attack, praises Modi's leadership.

BJP Criticizes Congress Over Armed Forces Comments

BJP claims Congress undermines Indian Army's morale post-Pahalgam attack, highlighting the importance of patriotic unity.

BJP accuses Congress of undermining forces post-Pahalgam attack. Trivedi praises Modi's leadership.

The BJP on Monday alleged that the Congress and its allies have become a "fifth column" working to lower the morale of armed forces after Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai took a 'toy Rafale' jibe at the government over its response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi sought to draw a parallel between the Pakistani army and leaders of the INDIA bloc, saying the former is bombarding the Indian armed forces from across the border by violating the ceasefire while opposition leaders are targeting them with their comments from within.
Rai showed a toy plane depicting Rafale fighter aircraft with lemons and chilies hanging from it and asked the government when it will put them to use against terrorists. He noted that lemons and chilies were tied to the aircraft, a ritual to ward off evil, following India's acquisition of the fighter planes from France.
"They remain parked with lemons and chilies tied to them. When will they be put to use?" he had asked.
Trivedi accused the Congress leader of mocking Hindu religious sentiments, claiming that while the Pakistani army is scared, there is a need to protect the aircraft from the "evil eyes" of the Congress.
Religious practices are respected within the armed forces, he said, noting that they employ religious teachers as well. War cries like "Bolo Bajrangbali ki jai" and "Raja Ram Chandra ki jai" are invoked by different regiments, he added.
Trivedi said Rai's comments are in a series of disparaging remarks from opposition leaders aimed at demoralising the armed forces.
He said while hardly any Pakistani leader is being quoted in the Indian media for speaking against their army, Indian politicians are being frequently cited in the neighbouring country for their criticism of the government and allegedly lowering the morale of Indian armed forces.
The BJP leader said the Indian Army is much stronger than its Pakistani counterpart, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown determined leadership. Pakistan, however, scores over India when it comes to leaders speaking in one voice, he said He mocked the Congress official's stance of supporting the government in its actions following the Pahalgam terror attack, likening it to Pakistan's pronouncement of supporting peace while promoting terrorism in India behind the scenes. The ugly face of the Congress has been unmasked, he alleged.
He said, "The Congress and the INDI Alliance have become like a fifth column." He reiterated Prime Minister Modi's resolve that the perpetrators of the terror attack and those part of the conspiracy will be pursued to the "ends of the earth" and inflicted a punishment "beyond their imagination."
The previous Congress governments had lost in diplomacy while armed forces won in the battlefield, he said, asserting that the Modi government will deliver an effective response on both fronts.
He cited former Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major's assertion that the Indian Air Force was ready to strike after the 26/11 attack on Mumbai in 2008 by Pakistani terrorists, but the then Congress-led UPA government decided against the option.
The BJP leader, also a Rajya Sabha MP, said the UPA government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh repeatedly held bilateral talks with Pakistan despite its support of terrorism, but the Modi government has made it clear that it will not formally engage with Pakistan.
While opposition leaders have been taking jibes at the government, he noted that Modi, as the then Gujarat chief minister, had spoken strongly against Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif's "dehati aurat" dig at Singh.
As the then leader of the opposition, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had spoken robustly in the UN in support of the PV Narasimha Rao-led government in the 90s against Pakistan-backed terrorism, he added.

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Expressing anguish over non-adherence to Covid guidelines in election rallies in West Bengal, the Election Commission on Thursday ordered a ban on physical campaigning except public meetings with a gathering of up to 500 people.The Poll panel in its order said it has withdrawn permission for bike rallies, roadshows &amp; meetings with gatherings of over 500.Meanwhile, amid concerns that poll rallies might become super-spreader events, the Kolkata High Court, which was hearing petitions for intervention, sought an action taken report from the Election Commission on Friday when it will take up the petition again.

EC puts cap on Bengal campaigning as Kolkata HC seeks report 

Expressing anguish over non-adherence to Covid guidelines in election rallies in West Bengal, the Election Commission on Thursday ordered a ban on physical campaigning except public meetings with a gathering of up to 500 people. The Poll panel in its order said it has withdrawn permission for bike rallies, roadshows &amp; meetings with gatherings of over 500. Meanwhile, amid concerns that poll rallies might become super-spreader events, the Kolkata High Court, which was hearing petitions for intervention, sought an action taken report from the Election Commission on Friday when it will take up the petition again.

EC puts cap on Bengal campaigning as Kolkata HC seeks report  

Punjab Government under CM Mann addresses water injustices, transforming access for farmers, especially in Malout, ending decades of inequity.

Historic Water Rights Success of Punjab

Led by CM Mann, Punjab govt. secures water rights, transforming access for farmers, particularly in Malout, and rectifying past injustices.

The Punjab government, led by CM Bhagwant Mann, addresses water inequities. Progress in Malout marks a transformative moment for struggling farmers, enhancing water access long denied.

Appreciating the historic step taken by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said during a special session convened over the issue of additional water release by BBMB that this is not just an administrative decision but a historic move for Punjab&rsquo;s water rights and for safeguarding the interests of its farmers.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that ever since India&rsquo;s independence, Punjab has faced injustice in water distribution. The state&rsquo;s rights were exploited through unfair agreements and legislations. She pointed out that it wasn&rsquo;t just the role of the central government but also the involvement of previous state governments of that time.
Citing the example of Malout constituency, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that for over 50 years, villages located at the tail ends of the canals were deprived of water. She highlighted the condition of villages like Balmgarh, Ramgarh, Ram Nagar, and Tarkhanwala where farmers, burdened by debt, were forced to work as daily wage laborers. Marriages were delayed, and generations lived their lives amid misery and struggle.
She mentioned that these were the same villages which were often &lsquo;adopted&rsquo; by former Chief Ministers from Akali and Congress parties, yet no real efforts were made to listen to their grievances. Recalling an incident, Dr. Kaur shared how she once took elderly villagers to meet Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann in Jalandhar. The Chief Minister listened to their pain and immediately ordered work to be started.&nbsp;
She remarked that it was the Mann Government that showed the courage no previous government did. &ldquo;When it came to ensuring water rights and listening to the voices from the villages, it was only S. Bhagwant Mann who said &mdash; &lsquo;First, the water will reach the fields, then we&rsquo;ll talk about election symbols. People must get a life of dignity before politics,&rsquo;&rdquo; she quoted.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further said that today, Malout constituency is fortunate as the cleaning and repair of distributaries are underway, and canal water is being supplied to the tail-end fields. For this, she especially thanked Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Goial.
In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to the media fraternity to share this as more than just a story &mdash; it is a lived reality, which must be heard directly from the elderly who have endured this hardship for 50 years. She emphasized that the pain and suffering of these people must be addressed by the system that overlooked them for so long.

Aman Arora of AAP accuses central government and Haryana of exploiting Punjab's water resources. Calls for annulment of unfair deals and adherence to riparian principles.

AAP Demands Justice for Water Rights of Punjab

Aman Arora criticizes Centre, Haryana over Punjab's water exploitation. Calls for unity to end decades-long injustices and demands fair water-sharing respecting riparian rights.

AAP's Arora accuses the center of exploiting Punjab's water. Criticizes past agreements disadvantaging Punjab. Urges annulment of unfair deals, stresses riparian rights.

Launching a scathing attack at BJP led Centre and Haryana Government of "putting a knee on Punjab&rsquo;s neck" and looting its rightful share of water for decades, State President of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora exposed the historical injustices faced by Punjab over its water rights during the Special Punjab Vidhan Session, on Monday.
Addressing the house, Mr. Aman Arora recounted how Punjab has been systematically deprived of its water resources since 1955. Later in 1960 with the Indus Water Treaty, which diverted 80% of Punjab&rsquo;s river waters to Pakistan. He also highlighted how subsequent agreements&mdash;like the Punjab Reorganization Act (1966), the Tripartite Agreement (1981), and arbitrary assessments&mdash;further robbed Punjab of its rightful share.
Punjab has been betrayed repeatedly&mdash;whether it was Congress or BJP government at the Centre. They have always treated Punjab as a milking cow, taking our water and grain but giving nothing in return, Mr. Aman Arora said.
He pointed out that despite Punjab being a riparian state, non-riparian states like Haryana and Rajasthan were unlawfully given Punjab&rsquo;s water, violating international riparian laws. In 1955, Punjab&rsquo;s water assessment was 15.85 MAF, but by 1981, it was artificially increased to 17.17 MAF just to justify giving more water to Haryana and Rajasthan.
Mr. Aman Arora also slammed the Shiromani Akali Dal for its role in weakening Punjab&rsquo;s stand, recalling how the Badal-led government had demanded Rs 3 crore for the construction of SYL canal on July 4, 1978 despite knowing the fact that it&rsquo;s against Punjab's rights. On March 31, 1979, SAD government happily received Rs 1 crore sent by Haryana for the construction of SYL and signed Punjab&rsquo;s death warrant. Later accepted the Tripartite Agreement in March 1981 under pressure of Congress led Governments in Centre, Rajasthan and Haryana, he added.
Praising Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann&rsquo;s firm stance against releasing additional water to Haryana, Mr. Aman Arora said, "Punjab has no extra water to give. We will not bow down to pressure from Delhi or Haryana." He urged all political parties to come united, warning that Punjab&rsquo;s survival is at stake.
Calling for a long-term solution, Mr. Aman Arora demanded the cancellation of all unjust water-sharing agreements and strict adherence to riparian principles. "If Rajasthan can be denied Narmada waters for not being a basin state, why is Punjab forced to give its waters to non-riparian states?" he questioned.
Mr. Aman Arora said, "Punjab feeds the nation, but its own children are left parched. Enough is enough&mdash;we will not let this betrayal continue." He urged all the political parties to stand united to ensure that Punjab&rsquo;s voice is heard loud and clear at the centre level.

"Conducting any exercise such as the caste census, which gives the backward, the oppressed, and the marginalized sections of our society their rights, cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," Kharge said.

Kharge Writes to PM Modi on Reservations

"Conducting any exercise such as the caste census, which gives the backward, the oppressed, and the marginalized sections of our society their rights, cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," Kharge said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the government's caste census decision, urging him to draw upon the Telangana model as well as have a dialogue with all political parties soon on this issue.
In his letter to Modi, Kharge has also urged the prime minister to remove the 50 percent cap on reservation by a constitutional amendment and immediately implement Article 15(5), providing for reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs in private educational institutions.
"Conducting any exercise such as the caste census, which gives the backward, the oppressed, and the marginalized sections of our society their rights, cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way," Kharge said.
"Our great nation and our large-hearted people have always come together as one whenever needed, just as we have done after the recent cowardly terrorist attacks in Pahalgam," he said in his letter to Modi dated May 5.
The Congress believes that conducting the caste census in the comprehensive manner is absolutely necessary to ensure social and economic justice and equality of status and opportunity as pledged in the Preamble of our Constitution, Kharge said.
The Congress president recalled that he had also written to the prime minister on April 16, 2023, putting forward the Congress' demand for an up-to-date caste census.
"Regrettably, I never received any reply to this letter. Unfortunately, your party leaders and yourself went on to attack the Congress and its leadership for raising this legitimate demand, which you today acknowledge is in the interests of deeper social justice and empowerment," Kharge said in his letter to the PM.
"You have now announced, without providing any details, that the next census (which was actually due in 2021) will include caste as a separate category as well," he noted.
Kharge said he has three suggestions to make, with the first one being about the design of the census questionnaire.
Caste information has to be collected not for counting purposes but for achieving larger socio-economic objectives, Kharge pointed out.
"The recently concluded Telangana caste survey was designed and implemented with such goals in mind. The Union Home Ministry must draw upon the Telangana model--both the methodology adopted for finalizing the questionnaire and the final set of questions asked," Kharge said.
Nothing in the report published finally should be concealed so that complete socio-economic data of each caste is made available to provide them their constitutionally enabled rights and the socio-economic progress can be measured from one census to another, he said.
Kharge also pointed out that only the Tamil Nadu reservations law has been protected in the Ninth Schedule of our Constitution since August 1994.
Laws of other states should also be included in the Ninth Schedule of our Constitution, he said.
Moreover, whatever the results of the caste census will be, it is abundantly clear that the arbitrarily imposed 50% ceiling on reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and OBCs must be removed by a constitutional amendment, Kharge asserted.
The Congress president also called for immediate implementation of Article 15(5).
"Article 15(5) was introduced in the Constitution of India with effect from 20th January 2006. This was subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court. Finally, it was upheld by the Supreme Court after prolonged deliberations on 29 January, 2014, very shortly before the model code of conduct for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections went into effect," he said.
Kharge pointed out that it provides for reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and OBCs in private educational institutions as well.
"In its 364th Report on the Demand for Grants for the Department of Higher Education, submitted on 25th March 2025, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports had also recommended new legislation to implement Article 15(5)," he said.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, had been demanding a nationwide caste census, making it a major election issue. Some states, like Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka, have conducted such surveys.
Sharing Kharge's letter on X, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said, "Following the CWC meeting on May 2nd, the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji wrote to the PM last night on Mr. Modi's sudden and desperate U-turn on the caste census - even as the nation's anguish and anger at the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks continued unabated." "Kharge ji has made three very specific suggestions," he said. '

Union Home Ministry directs states for mock drills to assess civil defence, involving air raid systems, communication links, and training initiatives.

India to Conduct Statewide Mock Drills for Defence

The Union Home Ministry has initiated mock drills across states to evaluate and improve civil defence preparedness through training and strategic measures.

The Union Home Ministry orders states to conduct mock drills to evaluate civil defence preparedness, featuring training and strategic measures.

The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on Wednesday to evaluate civil defence preparedness.
Sources in the Ministry said that the measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians and students on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.
Sources added that the measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and update of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal.
A mock drill is a kind of a practice operation designed to prepare individuals for potential emergencies or critical situations.
What is in the order?
 According to the MHA, the primary objectives of the mock drill are as follows:
&bull; To assess the effectiveness of air raid warning systems.
&bull; Operationalisation of Hotline/Radio Communication Links with the Indian Air Force.
&bull; To test the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms.
&bull; Training civilians, students, etc., on civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.
&bull; Provision of crash blackout measures.
&bull; Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations.
&bull; To verify the activation and response of Civil Defence services, including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations, and depot management.
&bull; To assess the implementation of crash blackout measures.
&bull; To evaluate the preparedness of evacuation plans and their execution.
&ldquo;The conduct of the exercise is planned up to the village level. This exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of civil defence mechanisms across all states and Union territories,&rdquo; the letter said.
The home ministry's order also said the exercise is expected to involve the active participation of district controllers, local authorities, civil defence wardens, volunteers, home guards (both active and reserve), members of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and college and school students.

UN Secretary-General Guterres urges restraint between India and Pakistan amid rising tensions post-Pahalgam attack. UN Security Council holds sensitive meetings, focusing on peace and diplomacy as India enforces measures.

UN Calls for Restraint: India-Pakistan Tensions

Guterres urges India and Pakistan to exercise restraint amid post-attack tensions. Diplomatic efforts focus on peace as UN holds vital meetings. India enforces measures; the global community watches for diplomatic resolutions.

UN Secretary-General Guterres urged restraint amid India-Pakistan tensions after a tragic terror attack. Both nations face mounting pressures as India implements punitive measures. The UN offers diplomatic intervention to foster dialogue and peace.

UN Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres Monday voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan being at "at their highest in years" and called for "maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink".
"Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution," Guterres said in a brief statement.
Guterres offered his "good offices" to both governments in the service of peace. "The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace," he said.
His remarks came hours before closed consultations of the UN Security Council on India-Pakistan tensions after Islamabad sought an emergency meeting.
"Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years. I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the Government and people of both countries - and their significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, not least UN peacekeeping,&rdquo; Guterres said.
"And so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point," he said.
Guterres said that he understands the &ldquo;raw feelings&rdquo; following the &ldquo;awful terror attack" in Pahalgam on April 22 and again strongly condemned that attack, extending his condolences to the families of the "Targeting civilians is unacceptable &ndash; and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means," he said.
"It is also essential &ndash; especially at this critical hour -- to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control," Guterres added.
"Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink," he said.
Ties between India and Pakistan plummeted following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operation land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties following the terror attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is committed to taking "firm and decisive" action against terrorists and their backers.
Modi also told the top defence brass that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the attack.
Amid raging tensions, Pakistan requested closed consultations on the situation and the Greek Presidency has scheduled the meeting for May 5 in the afternoon.
Pakistan currently sits as a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, which is being presided over by Greece for the month of May.
Apart from the five veto-wielding permanent members -- China, France, Russia, the UK and the US -- the 10 non-permanent members in the Council are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Somalia.
In the weeks following the Pahalgam attack, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with all Council members, except China and Pakistan. He also spoke with Guterres.
In his calls, Jaishankar underlined that &ldquo;its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.&rdquo; Last Friday, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said at a press conference at the UN that his country has the right to convene a meeting when "we feel appropriate".
He said the situation that evolved after the Pahalgam attack is a real threat to regional and international peace and security.
The closed-door meeting will not take place in the UNSC Chamber where Council members sit at the powerful horse-shoe table but in a consultations room next to the chamber.
Last week, Ahmad met Guterres and briefed him about the security situation in the region.
Guterres last week also spoke to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

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