Top news of the day from The Hindu - April 28, 2025
J&K Assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during a special session of the Assembly, on Monday (April 28, 2025) expressing shock and anguish over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress. The move was passed by voice vote.
Concluding a discussion on the resolution, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and admitted that he had failed in his responsibility of ensuring a safe return for tourists.
Putin declares 72-hour May ceasefire to mark WW2 victory
Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Monday (April 28, 2025) declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine on May 8-10 to mark the World War II Victory Day, as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration decides whether a deal to end the more than three-year war is within reach.
The Kremlin said that the truce will start at 0000 on May 8 (2100 GMT on May 7) and last through the end of May 10. The Kremlin said that Mr. Putin ordered the full cessation of hostilities on 'humanitarian grounds' to mark the May 9 holiday celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany.
India, France conclude agreement for 26 Rafale-M jets for Navy
India and France formally concluded the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets valued at around ₹63,000 Crore on Monday (April 28, 2025).
The deal was concluded in a formal ceremony attended by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and French Ambassador in India Thoerry Mathou at Nau Sena Bhawan. In addition to the IGA, several associated Government to Business agreements were also concluded.
Kharge slams PM Modi for skipping all-party meet on Pahalgam attack
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (April 28, 2025) targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for skipping the all-party meeting called to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead.
Mr. Kharge said that in this hour of crisis, everyone wants to fight together, 'But the BJP wants to spread venom and divide people'. 'It is the misfortune of the country that when the pride of the country was hurt, you [PM Modi] were giving an election speech in Bihar,' he said, addressing the 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally in Jaipur.
SC notice to Centre, others on plea to ban sexually explicit content on OTT, social media platforms
The Supreme Court on Monday (April 28, 2025) sought responses from the Centre and others on a plea seeking a direction to take appropriate steps to prohibit streaming of sexually explicit content on OTT and social media platforms.
A bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih said the petition raises an important concern, and the issue was within the domain of the executive or the legislature. 'As it is, there are allegations that we are encroaching upon the legislature and executive power,' Justice Gavai said.
Supreme Court orders return of passport to Ranveer Allahbadia
The Supreme Court on Monday (April 28, 2025) allowed the return of the passport to podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia to enable him to travel abroad for work.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh relaxed the condition after the Assam and Maharashtra Governments said the investigation against him was complete. The bench asked Mr. Allahbadia to approach the Maharashtra cyber police bureau for the return of his passport.
26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Rana produced in Delhi court, post remand
After the completion of his NIA remand, 26/11 Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana was on Monday (April 28, 2025) produced before a Delhi court. Rana was produced before special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh after his 18-day NIA custody got over.
Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan and special public prosecutor Narender Mann are likely to advance arguments on behalf of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in an in-camera hearing.
Senior Indian diplomat holds talks with Taliban's acting foreign minister in Kabul
India's point-person on Afghanistan, Anand Prakash, held talks with Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and discussed political and trade issues, Afghan media reported on Sunday (April 27, 2025).
In the meeting held in Kabul, the acting foreign minister emphasised the expansion of political and economic relations with India, Tolo news reported.
T.N. Government moves Bill to name CM Stalin as Chancellor of proposed Kalaignar University
The Tamil Nadu Government is planning to name Chief Minister M.K. Stalin as the Chancellor of the proposed Kalaignar University to be established in Kumbakonam. Minister for Higher Education Govi. Chezhiaan moved a Bill in this regard in the Assembly on Tuesday (April 28, 2025).
According to the Bill, the Chief Minister would be the Chancellor of the varsity and the Minister of Higher Education the Pro-Chancellor. The Chancellor would appoint the Vice-Chancellor from a panel of three names recommended by a committee.
Conclave to elect new Pope to start on May 7, says Vatican
Catholic cardinals meeting in Rome on Monday (April 28, 2025) have set May 7 as the start date for the Conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, the Vatican spokesman said.
The date was decided during a closed-door meeting of cardinals at the Vatican, the first since the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday (April 26, 2025). The cardinals will take part in a solemn mass at St Peter's Basilica, after which those eligible to vote will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the secretive ballot, spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
Death toll in Iran port explosion rises to at least 46 killed, with over 1,000 injured
The death toll from a huge explosion that rocked one of Iran's main ports rose Monday (April 28, 2025) to 46 people killed, authorities said.
Iranian state television offered the toll from the blast at Shahid Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas, citing local officials.
A fire still burned at the site, some two days after the initial explosion on Saturday (April 26, 2025), just as Iran began a third round of negotiations with the United States over its rapidly advancing nuclear program. Over 1,000 people suffered injuries in the blast.
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The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Focus is on enhancing diagnostic equipment in government hospitals, says Health Minister
The TDP-led NDA government in the State has evolved an action plan aimed at infusing a sense of discipline among doctors, bringing a change in their conduct towards patients and enhancing diagnostic equipment in government hospitals, according to Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav. Addressing the media in Vijayawada on Saturday (June 7, 2025), the Minister took a jibe at the YSRCP, and said the NDA did not consider people who voted against them as 'back stabbers'. 'We try to fulfil the promises made to the people. We have worked with accountability and responsibility,' he said. Giving an account of the changes in the Primary Health sector, the Minister said, in recognition of the State's efforts in improving the implementation of the Centrally-sponsored schemes at the village level, the Centre sanctioned ₹100 crore for the State towards performance incentive. 'This is not a small thing. During the past five years, the Centre did not give any such incentive,' the Minister said, adding the present government secured funds, to the tune of ₹1,065 crore, from the Centre for construction of 3,318 buildings of Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs in the State. At present, many were being run in rented spaces. Pointing out that timely and reliable diagnostic confirmation of diseases was the first step in ensuring healthcare for all, he said the government procured more than 3,200 diagnostic equipment in the past one year and decided to conduct 47 types of diagnostic tests at the doorstep of the people through the '104' service vehicles. Referring to the Tirumala laddu episode, the Minister said the government was focussing on opening drug testing laboratories in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Kurnool. New labs had been sanctioned for Tirumala, Eluru and Ongole. In line with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's vision of digitising healthcare, the Minister said an MoU had been signed with the Bill Gates Foundation for setting up Digital Health Command and Care Centre, strengthening Telemedicine services, supply chain management for drugs and consumables. Giving numbers as 'stastical evidence' of the change brought in by the present government, he said the attendance of doctors and other medical staff had increased by about 7.42% to 14.20%, OP services increased by about 8%, In-Patient (IP) services saw an improvement of 4% to 17.61%, lab tests saw an increase of 7.20%. He added that various surveys had shown that the public perception regarding availability of doctors in Government General Hospitals, their attitude, supply of free medicines improved. Talking about further plans, the Minister said the universal health insurance of up to ₹25 lakh would be rolled out soon. During an interaction with the mediapersons, the Minister said the COVID situation was not alarming in the State and that there were no restrictions on gathering. 'We have N95 masks, oxygen cylinders, beds, wards ready. However, the situation is not alarming and there is nothing to worry,' he said, adding that only those with comorbidities need to be extra careful. Health Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu and Commissioner G. Veerapandian were present.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
‘Sanjeev Arora replaced ‘dabangai' with devp-oriented governance'
Ludhiana: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab president Aman Arora on Saturday said that the party's candidate from Ludhiana (West) Assembly constituency, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, had ushered in a new era by replacing "Dabangai kind of politics" with development-centric governance. Addressing an election meeting at Sarabha Nagar, Aman Arora described Saneev Arora as a refined, honest, and soft-spoken politician. "His campaign is being conducted in a smooth, positive, and people-friendly manner. I am confident that the results will be in his favour," he said, commending Sanjeev for executing significant development works over the last three years. Highlighting the "pro-people" and "pro-industry" approach of the AAP-led Punjab government, Aman Arora said, "Our govt is ensuring the welfare of all sections of society. The policies are entirely people and industry-centric, and the positive outcomes are clearly visible." Urging citizens to exercise their franchise on June 19, he said, "Every vote cast will strengthen Ludhiana's development journey. I also appeal to residents to plan their vacations either before or after polling day to fulfil their civic responsibility." MP Sanjeev Arora said that he had learned a lot from AAP, which was working for his campaign as one family. He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of MPs, MLAs, councillors, and volunteers in his campaign. "Such unity is not only commendable but should also be reflected within our families," he said. Arora reiterated his commitment to public welfare, saying that he had worked "happily" over the last three years and would work with even more responsibility if elected. "Every vote matters. Your support will be a mark of your trust and a symbol of our unity," he said. Punjab minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Sunil Modi and Arun Sharma were also present at the meeting. Sanjeev Arora also visited Sikh kirtan singer Bhai Harjinder Singh in BRS Nagar and congratulated him on being awarded the Padma Shri. Arora was accompanied by his wife, Sandhya and son, Kavya. MSID:: 121694205 413 |
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Delhi Hardlook: Six months, weekend camps— How scheme to grant ownership in city's unauthorised colonies turned around
'It is a very lengthy process. Log chakkar laga laga ke thak jaate hai (people get tired going again and again to the centres),' says Rajinder Bhola, a resident of Khirki Extension in South Delhi. Bhola was referring to the Centre's ambitious plan to grant property ownership rights in unauthorised colonies, like Khirki, in Delhi. Six years after its launch, the plan had largely flown under the radar, drawing only lukewarm interest. The last six months, however, have sparked new momentum — there has been a surge in the number of applications finally getting the green light. As many as 5,372 residents of unauthorised colonies have got ownership rights to their residences between November 30, 2024, and March 30, 2025, under the PM-UDAY (Pradhan Mantri-Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana); this is out of 5,441 applications received by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) during this period, according to officials in the Lieutenant Governor's office. The DDA had set up single-window camps, where residents could access the registration process at a single location, with officials to assist them. The Indian Express looks at the status of the scheme and what's been holding it back. Tackling unplanned housing Unauthorised colonies are unplanned settlements that have come up in the national capital as a response to a lack of affordable housing and a burgeoning population. These settlements sprout by encroaching on government land or land earmarked for purposes other than residential. Residents of these colonies, thus, don't own the land on which they live. 'These colonies suffer from other inherent problems of haphazard growth, lack of public amenities and social infrastructure, unsafe structures and unhygienic conditions,' according to the DDA. The solution to this was regularisation, which would lead to better provisioning of utilities in unauthorised colonies. Conferring ownership rights on residents will also enable them to transfer and take bank loans against their properties. While Delhi has seen several waves of regularisation of unauthorised colonies since 1961, the process had been halted since 1993. For at least two decades, it has been a long-standing political issue with all political parties promising regularisation. Ahead of the 2020 Delhi elections, the central government announced the launch of PM-UDAY to regularise 1,731 unauthorised colonies; DDA was the nodal agency to implement the scheme. This was different from past attempts at regularisation under which the Delhi government was to coordinate the whole process. The Aam Aadmi Party was in power in Delhi when the BJP-led central government launched PM-UDAY. While details on the exact number of unauthorised colonies and their residents are unavailable, about 50 lakh people stood to benefit from the regularisation of 1,731 colonies. 'Further, conferment of rights opens up a huge possibility of redevelopment,' the DDA said, explaining that it will come out with relaxed development norms in these areas, which will allow builders more built-up area (increase FAR), leading to new development like parks and roads. 'A vision to give ownership rights and ensure that residents of the unauthorised colonies live a life of dignity. A dream to own, a dream for quality life with parks, playgrounds and community facilities. A dream for development,' the DDA website promised to residents. Six years after the scheme was launched in 2019, as of May 24, only 33,299 people have obtained legal ownership rights out of the 1.31 lakh who applied for it, according to a portal on DDA's website. What is behind the slow response? Many have cited the lengthy and complex application procedure as one of the major hurdles. The digital divide is another reason, officials from the L-G office noted. 'The online application process has posed challenges for low-income residents with limited digital literacy or inadequate access to the internet,' an official said. Hiccups & solutions Most owners of houses in unauthorised colonies have a General Power of Attorney (GPA), which is no longer considered a legal ownership document after the Supreme Court in 2019 held that GPAs are not valid modes of property transfer. To get legal ownership of their homes under the PM-UDAY, residents of unauthorised colonies in Delhi first need to: – Register on the DDA portal or app and enter details about themselves and their property. – Next, they must contact a listed agency to conduct a GIS survey (a digital measurement of their property) and collect important documents like old sale agreements, electricity bills, Aadhaar card, etc. – They also have to fill out and notarise two legal forms, called indemnity bonds, and a declaration confirming ownership. – After submitting all documents online, DDA officials visit the home to verify claims. – If the application is approved, the resident pays a fee and then signs a final document called a Conveyance Deed (if the land is private) or an Authorisation Slip (if the land is government-owned). – This document, once registered at the local sub-registrar's office, legally proves that the resident owns the property. Sukrit Nagpal, a consultant at the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) who has studied the scheme extensively through fieldwork, says, 'PM-UDAY is a fairly progressive scheme. But DDA should take into account who the scheme is for: the target population comes from extremely heterogeneous backgrounds and has differential capabilities of navigating complex online systems.' Out of the 1.31 lakh who have applied since 2019, around 54,916 applications are pending, indicating that applicants may not have the technological know-how to receive and act on the deficiency memos sent by the DDA. 'The process of applying is very difficult: it's nearly impossible for an average resident to complete the process on their own. Even if they manage to apply, the DDA might respond by notifying them of errors. These notifications are difficult to address and are usually sent via email and SMS, which people often lack the capacity to respond to,' says Nagpal. 'This is where private players enter.' Ranging from property dealers to cyber cafe owners, these private players act as brokers and fixers, helping residents through the online process of registering and applying for conveyance deeds or authorisation slips. 'But these middlemen often disclose additional costs to the residents as the process unfolds and, therefore, end up charging much more than what was initially suggested…,' adds Nagpal. The L-G Office official also notes that the perceived cost burden is yet another reason behind the low response. The cost to regularise a property in unauthorised colonies depends on several factors: the size, whether it's built-up or vacant, the type of land (public or private), and the prevailing circle rate (the government's minimum property valuation). 'Besides, the absence of a fixed timeline or sunset clause for submitting replies to deficiencies has resulted in a lack of urgency among residents of unauthorised colonies to secure ownership rights,' according to L-G Office officials. One more reason is also the perceived tenure security of some residents. Over time, many of these colonies have seen a generational shift. Newer buyers and tenants are often unaware of the history of efforts by first-generation residents for ownership rights, hence, the fear of eviction in many of these settlements is relatively low, notes Nagpal, in his research with Smriti Singh and Sonal Sharma. 'Over the years, residents have begun to feel that the government won't take any action due to the large number of people living in these colonies,' officials have previously told The Indian Express. Lack of awareness among residents about the scheme's benefits is also one of the reasons behind the dismal numbers. 'Delhi has seen several waves of regularisation, but not much has changed in those colonies. That is also one reason why people may not be enthusiastic about the scheme,' says Nagpal. 'You need to now sell this as a bundle of plans that are time-bound: people will have to be told what will realistically change in their lives due to this scheme, such as layout approvals, basic services, and infrastructure,' he adds. Khirki resident Bhola agrees. 'The solution to all this is that the government says that at a single location, we take the responsibility to help you with applications.' And that is exactly what happened over the last six months. From November last year, L-G V K Saxena, who is also the DDA Chairperson, directed the Authority to hold camps in unauthorised colonies over weekends to fast-track registration and disposal of applications. These camps, which had a single-window clearance mode with facilitation for documentation, uploading documentation, scrutiny, notarisation, and other ancillary activities, were held between November and March. As many as 45,591 people attended the camps, and 5,441 applications were received during this period, out of which 5,372 conveyance deeds or authorisation slips were issued. 'The PM-UDAY single-window camps have effectively addressed many of the key concerns — playing a significant role in driving the scheme's positive outcomes,' an official from the L-G Office says. 'The L-G personally monitored the camps every week. Considering the positive response, we are going to restart these camps,' he adds. Devansh Mittal is a trainee correspondent with The Indian Express. He studied political science at Ashoka University. He can be reached at ... Read More
