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BJP’s Prez Singh said, “students of Bihar will be most benefitted from the Agnipath scheme”

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ANI
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Gopal Narayan Singh, BJP, Agnipath scheme
Image: ANI

Lashing out at the Bihar government for being unable to maintain law and order in the state amidst the backdrop of Agnipath protests, Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP and former Bihar BJP President Gopal Narayan Singh on Sunday said that students of Bihar will be most benefitted from the Agnipath scheme.

He said that the Bihar government failed to maintain law and order in the state in view of the recent Bihar protests. He termed it ‘a big failure’ of the intelligence agencies.

Speaking to ANI today on these developments, Singh said, “The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to properties is wrong. It cannot be supported. The students of Bihar are going to benefit the most from the Agnipath scheme. They are capable and will get maximum jobs in this sphere.”

Without naming (JDU), with whom BJP has a coalition in the Bihar government, Singh slammed and said, “Why does a regional party expect the central government to provide explanations on every issue? Why is the state government not explaining to the youths (about the scheme)? The youths of Bihar go to other states to seek jobs. Is it not the Bihar government’s responsibility to create and provide jobs in the state?” BJP Upper House MP further said, “On earlier occasions as well, questions have been raised regarding the law and order situation in Bihar that is till date very bad. Other parties have also raised concerns by saying this. It looks like a perpetual problem.”

“It is fact that the Bihar government is not able to give proper employment to the people of Bihar. Why we are not discussing this? The government running in Bihar for over 20 years must calculate how much employment has it generated in the state,” he said.

Bihar BJP President Sanjay Jaiswal on Saturday said that there is nothing wrong in opposing the state government.”Targeting people at the behest of being in power, and torching offices of a particular party with police acting as mere spectators is wrong. What isn’t happening in India is happening in Bihar. I oppose it,” he said.

JDU National President Ranjiv Ranjan alias Lallan Singh reacted to the state BJP President and said, “Instead of clearing doubts on Agnipath scheme, BJP is accusing administration. Nitish Kumar is capable of handling administration. Morale lessons by BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal are not needed. Such a reaction shows that he’s not stable.”

Massive protests have been reported in Bihar, where an angry mob set fire to dozens of trains, and damaged public properties across several cities and towns, prompting the police to suspend internet services in nearly a third of the state.

The top cop in the state, however, said that a “perception” was being created that the police has failed to take timely action to control the protests in Bihar, one of the worst-hit by Agnipath protests. “This is your perception,” Director General of Police (DGP) SK Singhal said when asked about the police’s failure to control the violence.

5.4 magnitude earthquake hits Japan, no tsunami alert issued

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ANI
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Earthquake, Japan,
Representative Image

A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.4 hit Japan’s Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture on Sunday, however, no tsunami alert has been issued.

As per NHK World, the quake hit shortly after 3 pm (local time). The quake registered a lower 6 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of zero to 7 at Suzu City. Noto Town registered lower 5, and the city of Wajima recorded 4. Japan’s Meteorological Agency said that the quake was at a depth of about 10 kilometres.

The Kasuga Shrine in Suzu reported that its torii stone gate was broken from the bottom, and stone lanterns and stairs were partially collapsed, reported NHK World.

The city registered a quake with an intensity of lower than five in September last year. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the government has set up a task force at his office.

Kishida said, “I have instructed the members of the task force to immediately assess the extent of the damage, provide accurate information to the public, and make all-out efforts to take emergency measures against disasters.

No major damage has been reported so far. There have not been any reports of damage at the Shika nuclear power plant and nearby nuclear power plants. We will continue to take all possible measures with the utmost caution.”

Mumbai top cop revises POCSO FIR circular; asks police to file a case if no foul play suspected

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PTI
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mumbai police
Mumbai top cop revises POCSO FIR circular; asks police to file a case if no foul play suspected 4

After facing criticism over a circular which mandated that no FIR for molestation or offenses under the POCSO Act should be registered without the zonal DCP’s permission, Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey has issued a revised order directing the city police to register FIRs immediately in cases of molestation and offenses under the POCSO Act where they do not suspect any foul play.

The revised order, issued on Friday, further said sometimes police complaints of molestation and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are filed due to property issues, financial disputes, or personal enmity. In such cases, a senior police inspector should contact the Assistant Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of (DCP) concerned to take directives to register an FIR, the order said. The police station in-charges should maintain a station diary, mentioning to whom they have spoken (about permission to register the case). The ACP or the DCP giving the order to register the FIR should keep in mind the Supreme Court’s order in the Lalita Kumari case.

Before making any arrest in such cases, officials should take the nod of the ACP, and the zonal DCP has also been instructed to personally supervise the investigation in those cases.

On June 6, Mumbai Police chief Sanjay Pandey issued a circular, which said a First Information Report (FIR) for molestation or under the POCSO Act should be registered only upon a recommendation by an ACP and after receiving permission of the DCP of the zone.

The reason then cited for the directive was that many times false cases of such offenses are registered due to disputes over property, money, or because of personal feuds.

However, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had sought withdrawal of the order, saying it will violate the rights of sexual abuse victims. The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had also asked Pandey to immediately withdraw the order. Pandey later said if the majority feels otherwise, the directive can be reconsidered. The Bombay High Court last Thursday asked the Maharashtra government if the controversial June 6 circular issued by the Mumbai police commissioner could be withdrawn.

MS Dhoni’s advice that helped Hardik Pandya to improve his game

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ANI
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Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni, Cricket, T20,
MS Dhoni's advice that helped Hardik Pandya to improve his game 6

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who scored 46 runs in the fourth T20I against South Africa, revealed MS Dhoni’s advice early on in his career which has helped him become a better player.

Hardik has recently made a comeback into the India squad during the T20I series against South Africa, making some vital contributions. His inclusion came on the back of a sensational IPL with the Gujarat Titans, where he proved his form and fitness, leading them to the title. Pandya scored 487 runs in the IPL while also chipping in with 8 wickets.

“For me, genuinely nothing changes because I play (according to the) situation, I play the symbol which is there on my chest. The only thing which I obviously want to get better with time is how smoothly and frequently I keep doing the things I did for Gujarat Titans and for India,” Hardik told fellow teammate Dinesh Karthik in a video posted on BCCI.TV.

“Early in my days, Mahi Bhai taught me one thing. I asked him how do you get away from pressure and everything. And he gave me very simple advice, ‘Stop thinking about your score and start to think of what your team requires’.

So, that lesson has stuck in my mind and has helped me become the player that I’m, to play under any situation,” he added.

The most impressive aspect of his game though was his leadership abilities, which has led him to being named the Indian captain for the two-match T20I series against Ireland later this month. Pandya has been in good form during the ongoing five-match series, scoring 117 runs at a strike rate of 153.94, averaging 58.50 in four matches so far.

His partnership with Dinesh Karthik was crucial in India’s competitive total during the fourth T20I in Rajkot, which helped them level the series 2-2.

“I need to tell you this, genuinely I want to tell you this, you have given a lot of inspiration to many guys in their life.

I remember the conversation you were having when you were not in the scheme of things, a lot of people counted you out,” Hardik praised Dinesh Karthik.

The fifth and the final T20I between India and South Africa will be played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday.

Islamic State terror group claims attack on Sikh gurdwara in Kabul

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PTI
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Image: AP

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the deadly terror attack on a gurdwara here in Afghanistan that killed two persons, including one Sikh community member, calling it ”an act of support” for the Prophet.

In a statement posted on its Amaq propaganda site, the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), an affiliate of the Islamic State militant group, said the attack on Saturday targeted Hindus and Sikhs and the ”apostates” who protected them in ”an act of support for the Messenger of Allah”.

The dreaded terror group said one of its fighters ”penetrated a temple for Hindu and Sikh polytheists” in Kabul, after killing the guard, and opened fire on the worshippers inside with his machine gun and hand grenades.

Several blasts tore through Gurdwara Karte Parwan in Kabul’s Bagh-e Bala neighbourhood on Saturday while Afghan security personnel thwarted a bigger tragedy by stopping an explosive-laden vehicle from reaching the place of worship of the minority community in the war-torn country.

It was the latest targeted assault on a place of worship of the Sikh community in Afghanistan. The three attackers were killed by the Taliban forces.

The terror attack on the gurdwara came days after the ISKP in a video message warned of an attack against Hindus to avenge the remarks against Prophet Mohammad by two former BJP functionaries.

In the past too, the ISKP has claimed responsibility for attacks on places of worship of Hindus, Sikhs and Shiites in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the attack on the gurdwara in Kabul drew severe criticism from Afghan leaders and the UN.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack and called it a ”terrorist incident.” Abdullah Abdullah, former chairman of the Afghan High Council National Reconciliation, also condemned the attack.

“I strongly condemn…heinous and cowardly terrorist attack on our Sikh community Gurdwara in Karta-e Parwan,” Tolo news quoted Abdullah Abdullah as saying.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Twitter said it “strongly condemns today’s attack on a Sikh temple in Kabul.” ”Attacks on civilians must cease immediately,” the UNAMA said and called for the protection of all minorities in Afghanistan. Afghanistan was once home to tens of thousands of Sikhs and Hindus, but decades of conflict have seen the number dwindle to a tiny handful.

In recent years, those who have remained have been repeatedly targeted by the local branch of the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

In 2018, a suicide bomber struck a gathering in the eastern city of Jalalabad, whilst another gurdwara was attacked in 2020.

”At the time of the attack in Jalalabad, there were around 1,500 Sikhs, after that people thought, ‘We can’t live here’,” Sukhbir Singh Khalsa told BBC.

More left after the attack in 2020, he added, and by the time the Taliban took power last year, there were less than 300 Sikhs. Now there are just around 150.

”All our historical gurdwaras have been martyred already, and now the only one that was left has been, too,” he said. Since the Taliban took power in August last year, Afghanistan has seen continuing attacks by rival Sunni Muslim militant group Islamic State.

Agnipath protest: Congress holds ‘Satyagraha’ at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar

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PTI
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priyanka gandhi, priyanka gandhi vadra, congress, satyagraha, agnipath protest, agneepath, agnipath scheme
Agnipath protest: Congress holds 'Satyagraha' at Delhi's Jantar Mantar 9

Congress MPs and leaders sat on a ‘Satyagraha’ at Jantar Mantar on Sunday in solidarity with the youths protesting the Centre’s newly announced Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces.

Congress leaders and supporters criticized the BJP-led central government and said that the Agnipath scheme is not beneficial for the country’s youth and also jeopardizes national security.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party leaders Jai Ram Ramesh, Rajiv Shukla, Sachin Pilot, Salman Khurshid, and Alka Lamba took part in the ‘Satyagraha’.

”The scheme should be rolled back,” Pilot told PTI on the sidelines of the ‘Satyagraha’.

Appealing to the protesting youths not to resort to violence, he said, “Protesting the scheme is their right but it should be done peacefully. There should be no violence.” Youths in several parts of the country have been protesting against the contentious defence recruitment scheme. Over the past few days, incidents of protesters vandalizing railway stations, setting trains on fire, and blocking roads and railway tracks have been reported from different cities and towns.

Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces was seen at the protest site. The entry and exit points to Jantar Mantar were blocked.

The Agnipath scheme, announced on June 14, provides for the recruitment of youths in the age bracket of 17-and-half to 21 years for only four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. Later, the government extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment in 2022.

The personnel to be recruited under the new scheme will be known as Agniveers. A major objective of the scheme is to bring down the average age of military personnel and cut ballooning salary and pension bills.

Lucy Bronze signs for FC Barcelona

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ANI
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Lucy Bronze
Image : ANI

Lucy Bronze leaves Manchester City to join the Spanish club FC Barcelona. On Saturday, the English international signed a contract tying her to the club until June 30, 2024.

In the morning she took a medical at Hospital de Barcelona and in the afternoon donned her new strip for the first time at the Ciutat Esportiva and Camp Nou.

The formal event in the presence of president Joan Laporta has yet to happen. Considered one of the best women footballers of the last decade, 30-year-old Bronze is coming to Catalonia after spending two seasons at Manchester City.

This is her second overseas adventure after playing for Olympique Lyon from 2017-20, where she won the Champions League three times. She won FIFA’s The Best award in 2020 and was the UEFA European Player of the Season in 2019.

She is an extremely fit and skilful right back with a strong shot and accurate crossing ability. After her first day at Barca, she will be returning immediately to join the England camp, which is the host nation of the forthcoming European Championship.

Lucy Bronze is the third new addition to the Barca Femeni squad for 2022/23 after the return of Laia Codina and the signing of Nuria Rabano.

“I am very happy to play for as club like FC Barcelona, one of the biggest teams in the world. I’m really looking forward to starting work with the team,” Lucy said.

“After a couple of conversations, you can’t say no to Barca,” she added.

Nuria Rabano was the first new signing to the FC Barcelona women’s team for 2022/23.

The left back, whose contract with Real Sociedad has expired, signed for the Blaugrana until June 2024 in the president’s office at Camp Nou this Friday in the company of Joan Laporta and the director responsible for the section, Xavier Puig.

Defence Minister to hold another meeting today amid protests over Agnipath Scheme

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ANI
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Rajnath Singh, Agnipath, Defence Minister
Defence Minister to hold another meeting today amid protests over Agnipath Scheme 12

As protests against the Centre’s Agnipath scheme continue in several parts of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to hold a meeting at his residence on Sunday.

Sources said the tri-service chiefs are expected to attend the meeting and discuss the rollout of the scheme and ways to pacify agitators. This is the second such meeting called by Rajnath Singh in two days.

In a significant move, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday announced an important decision to reserve 10 per cent vacancies in Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles for Agniveers.

In a series of tweets, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs decides to reserve 10 per cent vacancies for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles for Agniveers.”

“The MHA also decides to give 3 years age relaxation beyond the prescribed upper age limit to Agniveers for recruiting in CAPFs and Assam Rifles.

Further, for the first batch of Agniveer, the age relaxation will be for 5 years beyond the prescribed upper age limit,” the MHA added. It is pertinent to note that, upon completion of their four years tenure, Agniveers will be getting selection priorities under CAPF’s all the seven different security forces comprising Assam Rifles (AR), Border Security Forces (BSF), Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF), Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Security Guard (NSG) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Earlier speaking of the employment opportunities for Agniveers, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that upon completion of four years of Agniveers many central ministers and state governments including Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and corporations will give them job priorities.

“In coming days you will get the announcement by various governments and ministries regarding the priority in job opportunities to Agniveers,” the Defence Minister added. Earlier, in a welcome move, the government had announced a change in recruiting ‘Agniveers’, increasing the maximum entry age from 21 years to 23 years by giving two years of relaxation as a one-time waiver.

Granting a one-time waiver, the Union government declared that the Agniveer upper age limit for recruitments via Agnipath Scheme has been extended to 23 years from 21 years. Issuing an official statement on Agnipath Scheme, the Ministry of Defence mentioned that the one-time waiver in the upper age limit has been granted as recruitment during the two years had not been possible.

Hike in fuel prices strring protest in pakistan’s Sindh province

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ANI
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Pakistan, Fuel, Petrol, Hike in Price
Image: ANI

Resenting the hike in fuel prices in Pakistan, protest rallies and dharnas were carried out in parts of Sindh, Pakistan’s vernacular media reported.

The protestors said a rise in petrol price will only lead to steeper inflation making the life of lower strata people more miserable. The protestors also threatened to intensify the stir if measures were not taken to control this spiralling inflation.. For the third time in 20 days, Pakistan has increased fuel prices by up to 29 per cent and eliminated fuel subsidies in the country, the Dawn newspaper reported

The prices of petrol have increased by 84 rupees per litre and diesel by 119 rupees per litre, reported Pakistan’s vernacular media.

The country’s Finance Minister Miftah Ismail made the announcement on Wednesday, saying that the move is to reduce the fiscal deficit and revive loan support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The prices of high-speed diesel (HSD), petrol, kerosene, and light diesel oil (LDO) have gone up by a massive 83pc, 56pc, 73pc, and 68.4pc respectively, since May 26.

On Wednesday Ismail announced that the ex-depot price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been fixed at PKR 263.31 per litre, jumping 83 per cent since May 26 from PKR 144.15 per litre.

The price of petrol jumped to PKR 233.79 from PKR 209.86 per litre, increasing by 56 per cent from PKR 149.86 per litre before May 27.

The price of kerosene has been fixed at PKR 211.43 per litre, jumping 73 per cent since May 26 from PKR 118.31 per litre.

Also, the ex-depot price of light diesel oil has been set at PKR 207.4 per litre, increasing 68.5 per cent from PKR 125.56 per litre in May.

Since the Shehbaz Sharif government has come to power in Pakistan, the daily essentials are getting costly and have become out of reach of the common man due to recent hikes in petrol prices and power tariffs, a local media report stated. The Russia-Ukraine war has also fuelled inflation at the global level, leaving the people of Pakistan in misery.

ED summons to Rahul Gandhi, BJP calls protest ‘nautanki’

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PTI
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Rahul Gandhi, Congress Leader, Speach
Rahul Gandhi

The Maharashtra BJP on Friday said the Congress’ protests against the Enforcement Directorate for questioning Rahul Gandhi was “nautanki” (drama) and asked the party to focus on issues like Maratha and OBC reservations instead.

The Congress has been protesting across the country against ED issuing summons to party leader Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money-laundering case. Gandhi (51) had spent almost 30 hours with the ED sleuths from Monday to Wednesday during which he was questioned and his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The probe pertains to alleged financial irregularities in Young Indian Private Limited, promoted by the Congress, that owns the National Herald newspaper. The newspaper is published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian.

Speaking to reporters here, state BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said, “The Congress party is indulging in nautanki for the Gandhi family, which is facing allegations of corruption. The ED probe against Rahul Gandhi is also part of it.” “The Congress should have focused on grim issues of Maratha reservation, OBC quota in local body polls, inadequate aid provided to the farmers, among others. Such agitations by the Congress hold the people of the state hostage,” Upadhye added.

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