Editorial

Manipur to close relief camps, launch three-phase rehab plan

Manipur is set to close approximately 350 relief camps housing those displaced by the ethnic violence that began in May 2023. The state government plans a three-phase rehabilitation program, starting this month, offering financial aid. Around 7,000-8,000 people whose houses were destroyed will receive Rs 3 lakh each to rebuild.

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RSS discusses role in crises, war-like drills

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) convened a three-day meeting in Delhi to discuss the potential role of its members in emergencies, including war-like scenarios and civil defense exercises. Discussions also addressed concerns regarding alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and Bengal. The meeting involved reviewing organizational progress and planning for the centenary celebrations.

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HC junks plea to monitor ED probe against builder

The Delhi High Court has greenlit the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) investigation into real estate firm IREO Residences, dismissing allegations of bias. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora reprimanded petitioner Gulshan Babbar for withholding crucial information and imposed a ₹1.25 lakh penalty for misleading the court.

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Yes to dope tests, no to drugs: Panjab University pupils must sign pledge

Panjab University is implementing a strict anti-drug policy, requiring students to sign an undertaking to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Students must consent to random drug testing and face disciplinary action for violations. This initiative follows a University Grants Commission advisory and aims to create a safe, drug-free campus environment, prompted by a recent drug overdose incident.

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After IAF, Navy gets 1st woman fighter pilot

Following the IAF’s lead, the Navy is preparing its first woman fighter pilot. Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia received her “Wings of Gold” after completing transitional fighter training on Hawk advanced jet trainers. She will now undergo extensive training on MiG-29K fighters, potentially becoming the first woman to operate from an aircraft carrier, marking a significant milestone for women in naval aviation.

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Make J&K dry like Gujarat: Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has urged making J&K a dry state like Gujarat, opposing the opening of more liquor shops. He argues it contradicts Islamic values and fuels addiction, especially among youth. Despite rising alcohol sales linked to increased tourism post-Article 370 abrogation, Mirwaiz insists J&K thrived as a tourist destination for centuries without promoting liquor.

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Need to involve urban & transport planner in highway projects passing through cities & towns: Experts

Experts at an IIT-Delhi conference emphasized the necessity of involving urban and transport planners in highway projects within urban areas. Virendra Kumar Paul highlighted concerns about highway engineers’ ability to assess detailed project reports (DPRs). SPA and IIT-Delhi proposed pilot projects to evaluate DPRs and suggested establishing a Centre of Excellence for crash investigation.

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J&K: Kishtwar operation enters Day 3

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district have been engaged in a joint anti-terror operation for three days in the Kuchal-Chatroo forested area. The operation, initiated based on intelligence inputs, aims to locate two to three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists believed to be trapped. Additional resources have been deployed to assist in the ongoing search amid challenging weather and terrain.

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