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New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
Three arrested for malpractice during UPSC examination in Kochi
KOCHI: Three persons, including a woman, were arrested in connection with attempting malpractice during the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, using a small device resembling a walkie-talkie, in Kochi. The arrested are Ankit Kumar, 26, and Angad Kumar, 25, both natives of Lodipur in Bihar, and Prattiba Jaisri, 27, of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The misconduct was carried out during the examination for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) held at SRV Higher Secondary School in Ernakulam, said an officer with Ernakulam central police station. Ankit, who was the examination candidate, arrived early at the centre. Following preliminary checks, candidates were allowed entry into the premises. 'There were no signs of suspicion or alarm when the candidate passed through metal detectors at the entrance. However, the invigilator grew suspicious of Ankit's behaviour during the exam and conducted a secondary check, leading to the discovery of a small communication device in his possession,' the officer added. Following this, his accomplices were also apprehended, said a source with Kochi city police. 'While Ankit was writing the exam, his friend Prattiba assisted him by relaying answers from a nearby hotel using the electronic device. Their associate Angad was also booked and later arrested for aiding the operation,' he said. The accused have been charged for breach of confidentiality and privacy under the Information Technology Act and cheating-related charges of the (BNS).
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Indigenous people protest dam over Siang River, call for talks
New Delhi The proposed 11300 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project-- its pre-feasibility report (PFR) surveys and pre-construction activities and other outreach activities are being conducted 'by force' without the informed consent of the affected indigenous communities, members of the Siang Indigenous Farmer's Forum alleged on Saturday. This proposed mega dam over the Siang River, with an estimated capacity of more than 11,000 MW to be constructed at a height exceeding 500 metres above sea level (Photo:X/himanshu_ips) In a press conference held in Delhi, the farmers' body from Arunachal Pradesh raised several ecological concerns with the project. 'Massive and irreversible ecological damage was also highlighted about the project which would cause destruction of biodiversity-hotspots, leading to loss of indigenous medicinal plants and endemic flora and fauna, cutting of old growth forests and disruption of riverine ecosystems whilst the project is proposed in seismic zone V with eminent threat of dam- triggered earthquakes/seismic activity such as erosion, flooding, etc,' the statement said while adding that: 'GLOF (Glacier Lake Outburst Flooding) was also highlighted as an eminent threat due to climate change induced rapid glacier melting of Rivers in Arunachal, including those in Siang and Dibang rivers of India,' the statement said. This proposed mega dam over the Siang River, with an estimated capacity of more than 11,000 MW and to be constructed at a height exceeding 500 metres above sea level, has triggered strong opposition and public protests from indigenous tribal communities in the state and downstream areas in Assam, the note further said. This is due to potential displacement of over 1.5 lakh people, mostly from the Adi and other indigenous tribes, as well as the submergence of 27 villages, leading to the loss of ancestral homes and land rights, agricultural land and livelihood and cultural heritage sites including Kekar Moying, a historic Adi landmark where the historic Anglo Abor (British-Adi) fight took place, they said. Also Read: Explained: Why is China's largest dam in Tibet a potential 'water bomb' for India? The members said heavy deployment of Central Armed Police Forces in Siang district had led to intense fear among locals. 'Intensive protests have been ongoing to this day by local PAFs (project affected families) in Siang region opposing the proposed dam PFR leading to public anguish and desperate measures like road blockades and verbal confrontations with district authorities,' the members said. Key issues highlighted by members include: Suspension of Gao Bura (village head) for opposing Siang project; arbitrary detention and arrests of protestors and members of SIFF; false cases/ charges and criminalisation of leaders including leaders of SIFF and AdiSU (Adi Student Union), members have alleged and alleged accounts of corruption and bribery to sign a memorandum of understanding for the PFR. Also Read: Fresh protests in Arunachal against project meant to counter Chinese dam risks The members however asserted that they are not against the government. 'We are not against the government but you have to consult us. That is the procedure for any clearance. Paramilitary forces have been deployed in all three districts of Siang. Adis and other indigenous tribes are affected as there would be displacement from ancestral lands. Isnt this a violation of democratic processes? We are in peaceful protest,' SIFF Legal advisor Bhanu Tatak said. Further, Tatak said they did not have enough information on the 60,000 MW Motuo Hydropower Station being constructed by China across the border, in response to which India has intensified the construction of the Upper Siang project in India. 'They (administration) are calling us anti-national because we are opposing the dam. But they are publicly not disclosing what is happening in China. Us living downstream of China are Indians so we need to know,' added Tatak. HT sought a response from NHPC Limited (erstwhile National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) on the concerns raised by SIFF but did not receive a response till the time of going to print. Also Read: Will go ahead with Siang dam only after public nod, says Arunachal CM amid protests Sources said the Motuo Hydropower Project (60,000 MW) proposed by China in the Great bend area of Tsangpo/Brahmaputra River about 265 kms upstream of India-China border. It is estimated that 40 BCM of water may be diverted by the Chinese Project. Lean season flow in the Siang may be reduced by 80% (at entry level). This will cause lowering of ground water even on hill slopes, loss in Fishing in the Siang, loss of plants, drinking water etc. One of the concerns that sources said is being considered: China can cause floods in India by releasing large amounts of water unexpectedly in monsoon season, which may cause great devastation downstream. Movement of the army may also get disrupted. The proposed locations for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project lies in seismic zone V as per Seismic zoning map of India, as incorporated in Bureau of Indian Standard. From 1930 onwards, the time when first instrumental seismic monitoring started in India, it is observed that a total of five events in the magnitude range 7.0M-7.9M and one event >8.0 M (8.6 M in Assam in 1950) has been recorded within a 300km radius of the project.
Indian Express
31-07-2025
- Indian Express
4 lakh visitors and counting, Amarnath pilgrims shrug off post-Pahalgam fears
With nine days to go before it ends, the annual Amarnath Yatra on Thursday crossed the 4 lakh visitors mark. This, despite the yatra seeing withdrawals and cancellations in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. 'The record number of darshans and arrival of devotees from across the country and the globe is a testament to India's unity and its resolve to overcome the challenges. I am truly thankful to the devotees, who have shown immense faith and strengthened our priceless spiritual heritage,' Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said. In June, the administration had said that this year's yatra numbers were 'directly impacted' by the Pahalgam attack, before which, the L-G said, over 2.36 lakh yatris had registered for the pilgrimage. 'This year, before April 22, registration numbers were significant. After the unfortunate incident of April 22, registrations saw a decline, but are picking up again. We are reaching out to those who had registered before April 22, and this number will increase,' Sinha had said. The yatra began on July 3 and will continue till August 9. The ending typically coincides with Raksha Bandhan. Last year, the yatra recorded the highest footfall in 12 years with over five lakh devotees visiting the holy cave in 2024, as per official records. With security concerns high this year, the presence of officers of the J&K Police, as well as the number of companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), was increased for the yatra. Due to heavy rainfall and some damage along the track, the pilgrimage was also halted twice, for a day each. Concerns were also raised due to the early melting of the ice shivling due to intense heat in the Valley this summer.
NDTV
28-07-2025
- NDTV
155 Weapons, 1,652 Ammunition Recovered From 5 Manipur Districts: Police
Imphal: Security forces in Manipur recovered 155 firearms and 1,652 rounds of ammunition during multiple operations conducted in the hill districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl, Tengnoupal and Chandel districts over the past few days, police said. The intelligence-based operations by joint teams comprising police, Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles and the army led to the recovery of eight AK series rifles, two INSAS rifles, four carbines, one SLR, eight 9mm pistols, fourteen 12 bore guns, 21 single bore guns, 14 country-made pistols and other rifles, police said. According to police, 31 pompi (locally-made mortars), 39 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 13 hand grenades, and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition were also seized. Security forces also recovered 15 communication sets and 4 binoculars during the operations. "These continued intelligence-led operations in the hill districts represent a major accomplishment for Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, army and other security forces in their continued mission to restore peace, uphold public order and safeguard the lives and properties of citizens," police added. Reaffirming its commitment to foster a peaceful and secure Manipur, police also urged the public to cooperate with police and security forces and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or central control room. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
27-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
CAPF personnel injured during operations will get full benefits till retirement: Union Home Secretary
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel who get severely injured during operations and have to undergo amputation will be allowed to continue in service till their retirement with all benefits, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan said on Sunday (July 27, 2025). Mr. Mohan said the government will ensure the best medical facilities and technology available in the world for 'limb replacement surgery' for CAPF officials and jawans and it will be ensured that loss of limbs is corrected as far as possible. 'Government will also ensure a minimum financial package for such personnel, and they will be accommodated in the organisation,' Mr. Mohan said, while addressing the 87th Raising Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Delhi. CAPF personnel have to adhere to certain physical standards for timely promotion and services. At least five CRPF personnel were grievously injured during the 21-day anti-Maoist operations on Chhattisgarh-Telangana border that concluded on May 11. Named 'Operation Black Forest', the combing operations were carried out in the Karegutta Hills (KGH). Hardships in the line of duty The Home Secretary added that a large number of CRPF personnel, including women, are deployed for law-and-order duty in Manipur after an ethnic conflict erupted in the State in May 2023. He said that during his recent visit to the State, he noticed that the personnel have to move from one location to another and face various hardships due to lack of adequate facilities. 'CRPF Director General has been asked to submit a report on the facilities required for the jawans, particularly women. Home Ministry will ensure best facilities,' Mr. Mohan said. He added that efforts are also underway to improve the living conditions at the camps in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas. 'CRPF is playing a key role in ending LWE menace before March 2026,' he said, adding that 149 forward operating bases have been operationalised in LWE areas, forcing Maoists to retreat. The official said that LWE is on the verge of its end in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. He said that Home Minister Amit Shah mentioned at the National Security Strategies Conference on Sunday (July 27, 2025) that India's rising stature would lead to security challenges and the CAPFs would play an important role in thwarting those challenges.
