Minister vows serious action on fertilizer shortage, dilapidated school buildings, and poor quality of food in Bidar
Chairing the Karnataka Development Programmes (KDP) quarterly review meeting at the Zilla Panchayat hall in Bidar on Friday, the Minister directed Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma, Zilla Panchayat CEO Girish Badole, Assistant Commissioners, and Executive Engineers to conduct inspections and certify the quality of all ongoing works.
'Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth ₹2,025 crore in the district. There should be close monitoring of the progress and quality of each of these projects,' the Minister said.
Raising concern over poor SSLC and PU results in Bidar, Mr. Khandre ordered the formation of clusters to support students through focused coaching by expert teachers in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. He asked officials to identify top-performing teachers across taluks and initiate revision classes for SSLC and PU students for two months.
Responding to complaints about the condition of school infrastructure, Mr. Khandre sought a detailed report from the Education Department on all dilapidated school and college buildings.
'Submit a file within a fixed deadline indicating whether the buildings can be repaired or must be rebuilt. Include the year of construction, estimated cost, and reasons for the early deterioration of these buildings,' he directed.
On law and order
Expressing shock over a recent case of sexual assault against a minor girl, the minister instructed DSPs to expedite investigations in all cases involving crimes against women and children. He also questioned whether CCTV cameras had been installed at crime-prone public locations and directed officials to take urgent steps to install them wherever lacking.
'Only when perpetrators are arrested, tried, and punished will such crimes be prevented,' he said.
Focus on skilling and employment
Acknowledging unemployment as a pressing concern, Mr. Khandre suggested that youth be given loans and encouraged to take up self-employment through government schemes. He added that since Bidar lacks natural resources for a full-scale industrial revolution, skill training should be aligned with job opportunities in the service sector. He also asked the Deputy Commsisioner and Zilla Panchayat CEO to personally inspect at least five development works each for quality assurance.
During the meeting, MLA Shailendra Beldale raised concerns over reports of adulterated cooking oil and poor-quality food being served to students. He urged officials to inspect hostels and restaurants to ensure food safety standards.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Municipal Administration and Haj Rahim Khan; Siddalingappa Patil, Sharanu Salagar, MLAs; M.G. Muley, Bhimaraya Patil, Chandrashekhar Patil; MLCs; Fisheries Development Corporation chairperson Mala B. Narayan Rao; BUDA chairman Basavaraj Jabashetty; DCC Bank president Amar Khandre; District Guarantee Implementation Committee chairman Amruthrao Chimkode; and senior officials from various departments.
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First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
Nearly 90% of Israeli war crime investigations closed or unresolved
Nearly nine out of 10 Israeli military investigations into alleged war crimes or abuses by its soldiers in Gaza since the war began have been closed without findings of wrongdoing or remain unresolved, a conflict monitoring group said read more Nearly nine out of 10 Israeli military investigations into alleged war crimes or abuses by its soldiers in Gaza since the war began have been closed without findings of wrongdoing or remain unresolved, a conflict monitoring group said. Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) said unresolved cases include a February 2024 incident in which at least 112 Palestinians were killed while queueing for flour in Gaza City, a May 2024 airstrike that killed 45 people at a tent camp in Rafah, and the June 1 killing of 31 Palestinians as they went to collect food in Rafah. Witnesses said Israeli forces opened fire in the June incident. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initially called reports 'false,' but later told The Guardian the matter was 'still under review.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD AOAV's Iain Overton and Lucas Tsantzouris said the figures showed Israel was creating a 'pattern of impunity' by failing to conclude investigations or find wrongdoing in most cases involving serious allegations. The IDF said it investigates 'exceptional incidents' during operations when there is suspected legal violations, following Israeli and international law. The military said it uses both criminal investigations by the military advocate general's police department and fact-finding assessments (FFA) by a separate general staff team. AOAV said it found reports of 52 cases in English-language media between October 2023 and June 2025 where the Israeli military said it had conducted or would conduct investigations after allegations of civilian harm in Gaza or the West Bank. Those cases involved the deaths of 1,303 Palestinians and injuries to 1,880. One investigation led to a conviction. A reservist was sentenced to seven months in prison in February for aggravated abuse of Palestinian detainees at the Sde Teiman detention centre. Five other cases resulted in disciplinary action, including the April 2024 dismissal of an IDF colonel and a major after an airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers. AOAV said 46 other cases, or 88 per cent of the total, were either closed with no findings or remain unresolved. Seven were closed without fault, while 39 are still under review or have no reported outcome. The IDF said 'any report … complaint or allegation that suggests misconduct by IDF forces undergoes an initial examination process.' Depending on evidence, cases may be referred for criminal investigation or an FFA review to determine if criminal misconduct is suspected. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Critics, including the Israeli human rights group Yesh Din, say the FFA process can take years. After 664 inquiries into previous Gaza operations in 2014, 2018-19 and 2021, there was one known prosecution, the group said. In August 2024, the IDF said the FFA had collected information on 'hundreds of incidents' from the Gaza war, and the military advocate general's office had opened 74 criminal investigations. Of those, 52 related to detainee deaths and mistreatment, 13 to stealing enemy ammunition, three to destruction of civilian property, and six to alleged illegal use of force. AOAV's figures differ from IDF statistics because the group counted incidents where media reported an investigation was conducted, covering both Gaza and the West Bank. The IDF said 'dozens of military police investigations have been opened' and that most remain ongoing. The FFA has 'completed its review in dozens of cases,' which have been sent to the military advocate general for possible criminal investigation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Boy king who wanted best of the West for Kolhapur
KOLHAPUR: Had he lived a full life, Rajaram II of Kolhapur would have transformed his princely state. His journey to Europe, the first by a Hindu monarch, filled his mind with new ideas __ English education for the people and compulsory learning for girls, a modern judicial system, industries, museums, research centres and banks. But he died when he was 20. What he left behind is a rich account of his travels and experiences to Europe where he went on a study tour in 1870 and spent 150 days until his death in Florence in Italy. The monarch's enthusiasm made him journal. The account he kept of what he saw and experienced during his stay came to life over 150 years later when a digitized version of a book based on his dairy surfaced a few years ago. It was first published in 1872 as The Dairy of Late Rajah Of Kolhapoor-During His Visit To Europe in 1870, and edited by British official Edward West, who was in the prince's retinue. What Rajaram II chronicled can now be widely read. Head of the English department, Rajaram College Kolhapur, Raghunath Kadakane, has translated the book into Marathi on the monarch's 175th birth anniversary. Kadakane said despite a history of rebellion, Kolhapur's royalty and the British forged an alliance for the people. 'Rajaram II had vision and was eager to modernise his state after his return. His dreams were fulfilled by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj more than 100 years later. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Snapping Up This TV Box, We Explain! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Shahu Maharaj opened schools, built dams and developed a pro-people administration,' he said. Shahu Chhatrapati, head of Kolhapur's royal family and a Congress MP, said they have the original copies of the dairy published by West but it is a private collection. Who Was Rajaram II? Born Nagojirao Patankar, he was adopted by the royal family of Karvir (Kolhapur) who are descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was 16 in 1866 when he became king but like other princely states, Kolhapur was under the British crown. Since the prince was a minor, political agent Colonel G S Andersen deputed West to run the administration. After the 1857 war of independence, Kolhapur's ruler Chimasaheb or Shahu I was arrested and sent to Karachi where he passed away. The crown approved the adoption of Rajaram II and he was coronated in Pune. West wrote, 'A Parsee graduate of Bombay University was selected to carry out tuition and a scheme of education was carefully drawn." The Parsee graduate was Jamshetji Unwala. During his schooling, Rajaram II was housed in a residency far from the Kolhapur palace. He grew up among Europeans and interacted with the company staffers from the residency. Before he left for Europe, 20-year-old Rajaram II laid the foundation of an English medium school later named Rajaram High School. It also got a college with former acting president B D Jatti and other eminent people like Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Yashwantrao Chavan, N C Kelkar, Vinda Karandikar and actor R Madhavan as students. Seeds of a voyage When the Duke of Edinburgh came to Bombay in 1870 none of the native princes who flocked to meet him attracted more attention than, or created as favourable an impression, as Rajaram II, West wrote. It was here that the seeds of a voyage to Europe were sown. Being a Hindu, he overcame the taboo attached to a 'sea voyage'. The British govt gave him permission and West, the Parsi tutor and 10 sevaks (staffers) and a hakim began the journey. West wrote that Rajaram II was first Hindu reigning prince to visit Europe, and the first in the lineage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Duleep Singh, the last Sikh ruler, visited Europe as an exile and was not the king at that time. Singh hosted Rajaram II at his Elveden Hall residence in London. Witness to history On June 23, ten days after he landed at Paris, Rajaram II witnessed the first telegraphic message sent from India to Britain. "At 10pm, (I) went to Mr Pender's to see the telegraphic communication between England and India and America which was lately completed. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, and many ladies and gentlemen were present. I was struck at seeing that the Prince of Wales received the answer to his telegram from the Viceroy of India in five minutes," Rajaram II noted. He was referring to John Pender who in 1869 founded British Indian Submarine Telegraph Company. He used huge ships like Great Eastern to lay thousands of km of undersea cables. Earlier, telegraphic links, which existed since 1864 were overland cables. The next day, Rajaram II met Queen Victoria in Windsor Castle. It was first of his two meetings with her. "I was presented to the Queen by the Lord Chamberlain on the lawn. She made a graceful bow to me and asked me kindly whether this was my first visit to England. She appeared to be in good health, and to be a kind-hearted lady," Rajaram II wrote. Here, he saw swords and daggers belonging to Tipu Sultan who died in 1799 in battle. Rajaram II also visited East India Association debates over cotton from India being exported to Britain. Dadabhai Naoroji helped Rajaram II with insights. His itinerary included visits to Royal Society, Oxford University where he interacted with vice-chancellor, the Royal Academy, the coach factory, the silk factory, the British Museum, cotton mills, the Royal Theatre and other places. He learned that silk imported from India was woven into embroidered clothes and sold back in India. At Forbes Walton's Museum, Rajaram II saw Maharaja Ranjeet Singh's golden throne. Forbes told Rajaram II that he had so many artifacts from India that he had no room to keep them. Death in florence and a connect with shelley Rajaram II's rheumatic condition worsened in Florence in Italy. It was November and the chill in the air made him worse. He had refused to see doctors and relied on his hakim. But West brought in top Italian physicians to inspect Rajaram II. The last entry in his diary was about the snowfall that he saw for the first time in his life. He died on Nov 30, 1870. "Congestion of the abdominal viscera, together with collapse of nervous power," was the cause of the death that doctors reported. A cremation was not allowed since Italy was a Catholic state and forbade it. The only exception was made some 50 years ago for Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley who drowned on July 8, 1822, off the coast of Italy when his boat, the Don Juan, sank during a storm. Shelley's body washed ashore near Viareggio in Tuscany. Quarantine laws and local customs led to his cremation on the beach on August 16, 1822, in the presence of friends, including fellow poet Lord Byron and Edward Trelawny. West wrote that the question of the disposal of the Rajah's remains after his death gave rise to some difficulties. 'His Hindoo attendants shrank from the idea of the body being embalmed or disposed of in any way but that prescribed by their religion, namely, cremation. On the other hand, cremation, except in the case of Shelley, had not been heard of in Italy for centuries, and the municipal law of Florence ordained, under penalty of two years' imprisonment, that whenever anyone died, the corpse should be buried in a coffin," he added. Cremation approved British minister Augustus Paget pushed for Rajaram II's body to be cremated as per Hindu tradition. The mayor of Florence Signor Peruzzi presented the matter before the council of ministers and upon conditions, permission was granted for a cremation post-midnight. Early on Dec 1, Rajaram II's was cremated on the banks of Arno River with Mugnone stream passing by in Cascine Park. The municipality expected only a few to attend but West recorded that a huge crowd had gathered, and security had to be placed. Kadakane said that Rajaram II made a lasting impression on the people he met in Europe and therefore permission for a cremation was granted. Shahu Chhatrapati said his ancestor Rajaram II had a good education and was fluent in English and western mannerisms. His going to Europe to study had not been attempted by anyone in the lineage. His death in Europe did not stop his heirs from going there. But, it came after four decades when Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj visited. Later on, all the heads of the royal family made such trips. 'I have visited Florence to see his memorial which is well-maintained by the local administration. A bridge across Arno River too bears his name,' he said. A monument in Indo-Saracenic style Two years later a "Monumento all'Indiano," or Monument to the Indian, was erected with bust of Rajaram II under a cenotaph (Chhatri) built in Indo-Saracenic style. At the time of his demise, the Italian unification was in progress and new thoughts were emerging. Reformists accepted cremation and by the end of the 19th century crematoriums opened in Italy and later in Britain as well. West published Rajaram II's diary after returning to Britain in 1872. He died in Naples in Italy a few hours from Florence where Rajah he served as a companion too was cremated. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘Poved unreliable': Candidates demand vendor change as chaos mars SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exam
As technical glitches, cancelled shifts, and administrative chaos marred the Staff Selection Commission Selection Post Phase 13 exam, held from July 24 to August 1, across the country, many candidates from Pune expressed their frustration. Dipesh Yadav, who appeared for the exam, said, 'I opted for Pune as my centre preference and filled in the form early, but was allocated Kolhapur instead. They didn't even consider my second preference of Mumbai,' Yadav said. 'Some were allotted centres in different states altogether. And students who travelled over 400 km were sent back, citing a technical glitch. The SSC should stop random centre allocation and increase examination centres in urban areas that are more convenient,' Yadav added. Another aspirant, Pranav Khandebharad from Akurdi, said, 'The vendor got changed as students had previously alleged unfair normalisation processes during the CGL Tier 2 examination that was held last year, but the current situation has proven far worse than anticipated,' he said. Omkar Lakhare, an SSC coaching faculty member at Pune's Winner's Academy, told The Indian Express, 'Servers crashed, students couldn't log in, shifts got cancelled mid-way, it was a nightmare for lakhs of aspirants appearing across India. This is not a mere technical glitch but complete mismanagement,' he said. As the SSC recently replaced Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with Eduquity as the vendor entrusted with conducting the examination, the crisis has also raised questions about the decision. New vendor's troubled history Lakhare emphasised that the new vendor has proved unreliable in its very first SSC examination. 'The current vendor for SSC exams was accused of mishandling the Madhya Pradesh Patwari exam and was also being blacklisted by the Directorate General of Training before. So, the commission must reconsider its choice and can onboard IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) for reliability,' Lakhare said. Despite repeated attempts, Eduquity has not responded to concerns flagged by aspirants. Many candidates and teachers protested at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, the central Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), and outside the SSC headquarters at Lodhi Road. The protesters demanded immediate reforms to streamline the SSC examination system, replacement of the unreliable vendor, and a thorough investigation into the mismanagement. Lakhare also highlighted infrastructural problems that have emerged under the new vendor. 'Some centres are located in rural areas where there's a high chance of cheating. Additionally, there are infrastructure issues, such as network problems, non-functional mice and keyboards, and discrepancies in English-to-Hindi translations of questions. Such problematic centres must be removed immediately,' he said. 'The commission must take these concerns seriously as their decisions impact lakhs of students preparing for various SSC examinations held across the country, and students' future is at stake,' the faculty member stated. Students demand a complete overhaul of the SSC examination system to prevent such failures in the future. 'If the glitches persist, many aspirants will be affected in the future exam. So our demand is that the upcoming SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam (CGL), from August 13, be postponed,' Pranav added. The writer is an intern with The Indian Express.
