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CBI Investigates Former Principal Sandip Ghosh Over Financial Irregularities In RG Kar Medical College’s MBBS Selection Process

By
The Commune
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials probing the financial irregularities in the state-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata have found clues about former principal Sandip Ghosh’s involvement in wrongdoings in the MBBS selection process.

Sources said that CBI officials have also mentioned the findings in their reports filed at the Calcutta High Court last month, immediately before the court went for vacation on the occasion of Durga Puja. As per the findings of the CBI officials, the irregularities in the MBBS selection process where Ghosh played an important role, took place in 2021.

The wrongdoings were first highlighted by a whistleblower and the former Deputy Superintendent of R.G. Kar, Akhtar Ali, based on whose petition a single-judge Bench of the Calcutta High Court directed the CBI to probe the financial aspect of the case. Sources said that the CBI officials, along with their report, submitted some relevant supporting evidence on these MBBS selections to the Calcutta High Court in 2021.

The documents include call records and some voice messages that indicate Ghosh’s involvement in the wrongdoings, sources added. Similar irregularities in house staff selection, sources added, have been tracked by the investigating officials. One of the classic examples of wrongdoings in house staff selection was Ghosh’s close confidant Ashish Pandey, who has already been arrested by CBI officials in the financial irregularities case and is currently in judicial custody.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), too, has made a suo motu entry in investigating the financial irregularities case after filing an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). The other main charges in the financial irregularities case include misappropriations in the tendering process, getting infrastructure-related work at R.G. Kar done by private outsourced agencies bypassing the state Public Works Department, smuggling of the hospital’s biomedical wastes, and selling of organs of unidentified bodies coming to the hospital morgue.

Besides the financial irregularities case, the CBI is also conducting a parallel probe against Ghosh in the case related to the rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar within the hospital premises in August this year.

-IANS

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DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin Says, “No Animosity Toward Hindi, But Strong Opposition Only To Its Imposition”

By
The Commune
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DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin Says, "No Animosity Toward Hindi, But Strong Opposition Only To Its Imposition"

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed that he does not harbor any animosity towards the Hindi language itself, but opposes its imposition. He made these remarks while attending an art and literature festival organized by Malayalam Manorama in Kozhikode, Kerala.

Udhayanidhi emphasized the importance of collaboration between Tamil Nadu and Kerala to safeguard their languages, cultures, and literature from the perceived threats posed by the BJP. He urged the people and political parties of Kerala to unite in the struggle against communal forces.

During his speech at the festival, he stated, “Both Tamil Nadu and Kerala share a profound appreciation for their cultural heritage. We are facing challenges from the BJP, which seeks to impose a singular vision of ‘one nation, one culture, one election, one language, one dress code, one religion, and one food’ upon us and other states in India.”

He called for solidarity, saying, “Let us join forces to protect our languages, cultures, and literature from the fascist agenda of the BJP.”

Udhayanidhi elaborated on the linguistic and socio-political reforms driven by the Dravidian movement over the past century, aimed at defending Tamil from the encroachment of Sanskrit and Hindi. He asserted, “Tamil Nadu and Kerala are among the most progressive states in India, having successfully kept fascist and communal influences at bay. The people here resist fascism due to the strong foundation of progressive politics.”

He noted that prior to the Dravidian movement, Tamil literature primarily consisted of mythology and devotional works, but leaders like Anna and Kalaignar championed Tamil literature that reflected human experiences and popular culture. “The Dravidian movement positioned Tamil as central to our identity. It’s not just a means of communication; it embodies the voice of a community seeking recognition, dignity, and freedom from Hindi imposition.”

Addressing the principles of equality, rationalism, and anti-religious sentiment espoused by the Dravidian movement, Udhayanidhi highlighted how these values have influenced Tamil Nadu’s language policies, cultural events, and educational frameworks, preserving the state’s unique linguistic identity.

He pointed out, “Today, our pride in the Tamil language and literature informs discussions about state autonomy and cultural excellence. Previously, Tamil Nadu’s resistance to linguistic subordination was viewed as divisive by nationalistic forces, which believed our opposition to Hindi imposition would lead to national disunity. However, history has shown otherwise. Those who wish to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states are the true divisive elements and pose a threat to national unity.”

(With Inputs From DT Next)

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India’s Dynamic Model Of Poverty Eradication And Job Creation Shines At ILO

By
The Commune
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India's Dynamic Model Of Poverty Eradication And Job Creation Shines At ILO

A statement said on 2 November 2024 that the Indian model of inclusive economic policies that generate quality jobs, support social protection, and promote gender equality was highlighted by the country’s delegation at the 352nd Governing Body meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) held in Geneva.

The India delegation is led by Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, at the ILO meeting, which will continue until 7 November. During the discussions, Dawra highlighted the national efforts to create decent work opportunities for all segments of society, particularly women and youth, which align closely with the ILO’s call for a renewed social contract.

Dawra also shared with ILO Governing Body members India’s commitment to improving living standards, reflected in significant initiatives covering all dimensions of poverty that have led to 248 million individuals escaping multidimensional poverty in the last nine years, as measured by the multidimensional poverty index. The Indian team also highlighted India’s transformation over the past decade in terms of financial inclusion and prioritising access to financial services for vulnerable populations.

Dawra said the Government’s steps have empowered millions of individuals and families, fostering a more inclusive and secure society.

Government initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana bridge the financial gap for the unbanked. The Governing Body was informed that PM Jeevan Jyoti Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana offer affordable life and accident insurance. The Indian delegation also showcased the significant employment growth over the recent years, with government policies, skilling programmes, and economic growth adding around 170 million persons in economic activity during 2016-17 and 2022-23 as per provisional estimates.

It was underlined that India’s economic trajectory demonstrates sustained job creation across key sectors. Dawra also said that India has significantly expanded its social protection coverage. This is recognised by the recent ILO’s flagship World Social Protection Report 2024–26, which shows the doubling of social protection coverage in India. Besides, the Indian government’s largest in-kind social protection scheme, namely the Targeted Public Distribution System, is well captured as a part of special coverage in the report, as one of the world’s largest legally binding social assistance schemes providing in-kind food security to about 800 million people, the ILO members were informed.

During earlier discussions on the proposal for greater democratisation within the ILO Governing Body, India commended the ILO but expressed support for comprehensive reforms in governance in not just the ILO but other UN Bodies as well.

-IANS

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Temples & Mutts Will Be Handed Over To Muslims If People Again Vote For Cong: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya

By
The Commune
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Left Ecosystem In Frenzy Mode After PM Modi Exposed Cong’s Fake Promises: BJP MP

BJP National Youth President and MP Tejasvi Surya said on Saturday that all the temples and mutts will be handed over to the Muslims if people will again vote for the Congress. “If votes are given to Congress party for freebies, all our temples, houses, mutts will be handed over to Muslims. If you still vote for the Congress party, there won’t be any freebies in future and the Hindu pilgrimage centres like Dharmasthala and Sringeri won’t exist,” said Surya while addressing media in Bengaluru at BJP headquarters.

He claimed that more lands of farmers are being named as the Waqf property in the state. “In Karnataka, the Waqf board has claimed more than 50,000 acres of land,” he claimed, adding that no one can predict when the farmers’ lands will be transferred to the Waqf board. “I have brought this matter to the notice of the Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). I have requested the Chairperson to come down to Hubballi and Bengaluru to receive the petitions from farmers. He is likely to visit on November 6 and 7 to the state,” he added.

He alleged that as per the instructions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan is conducting the Waqf Adalats. “Under which law the provision for conducting the Waqf Adalat is made? What is the legal standing for the Waqf Adalat? Which provision of the Constitution allows the Waqf Adalat? The Waqf Adalat is an unconstitutional invention of the Congress party. Until the Congress party stops Waqf Adalats, the BJP will agitate,” he said. He said that many cases of South Indian states have come before the JPC, adding that the Waqf board has claimed the temples which existed before when Islam was born. “Whenever there is an election, the Congress has been empowering the Waqf board,” he claimed.

The central government has formed a JPC to amend the Waqf Act. Egypt and Singapore have banned the Waqf. “We are not demanding a ban on Waqf. We are also not demanding their lands. Our demand is clear. Let the Waqf keep the land which rightfully belongs to it and it should not claim our lands,” he claimed. He said that Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan had compared the Muzarai and Waqf, adding that all Muzarai temples are under the control of the government. “Why does the Waqf board have no control? Is Minister Zameer ready to bring Waqf under the control of the government? The centre is all set to curtail unlimited power to the Waqf,” he said.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday directed officials to immediately retract all notices sent to farmers over Waqf land issues, emphasising that the latter should not be inconvenienced. The Chief Minister’s directions came after a high-level meeting involving senior officials from the Revenue Department, Minority Welfare Department and the Waqf Board.

–IANS

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Friendships Not Exclusive In Multipolar World, Says EAM Jaishankar  

By
The Commune
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Friendships Not Exclusive In Multipolar World, Says EAM S Jaishankar  pakistan

Asserting that India’s presence in the world order is attracting competition that will only grow as the country becomes a leading power, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday emphasised that friendships are no longer exclusive, especially in the emerging multipolar world.

“Friendships are also not exclusive, particularly so in a multipolar world. It is only to be expected that others, even friends, will seek to maintain their options while restricting ours. You will from time to time hear that our contemporary realism is projected as some kind of inherited dogmatism. Believe me, this is really a mind game at work,” Jaishankar said at a book launch in New Delhi. The EAM admitted that even friendships will not be without some hedging and relating to other major powers remains a challenge in itself considering their broader range of activities and interests. He remarked that convergence should not be confused for congruence as friends of friends may reflect the dilemmas of the old order and the new.

“Some friends may also be more complicated than others. They may not always share the same culture of mutual respect, or ethos of diplomatic etiquette. We have from time to time seen comments on our domestic issues accompanied by a professed desire to have honest conversations. However, the same courtesies are rarely accorded to the other side. What is freedom for one can apparently become interference from the other. The fact is that sensitivities like sovereignty and territorial integrity will always be a factor in evaluating partners,” he mentioned. Jaishankar said that as India positions itself as a ‘Vishwamitra’, New Delhi is seeking to be friends with as many as possible, a move that generates goodwill and positivity.

“It is reflected in the growing contributions we make to global good and indeed in the closer engagement with the international community. In some ways, this is diplomacy one on one, you could even say it is common sense. If you look deeper, there are cultural and historical factors at work as well, including the fact that we are not a dogmatic civilization. There is also a capability aspect, which accounts for the self-confidence with which we approach the world,” he commented. He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading from the front in transforming relationships with several key partner countries over the past 10 years.

The EAM, in particular, highlighted three transformations. “The US, Japan and Australia have benefitted from Quad. They are actually examples of overcoming the hesitations of history. UAE and Israel are from a region that is being engaged comprehensively, at last. Russia and France are statements of multipolarity, ours as much as theirs,” he said. “If all these ties have changed so much in the last decade, much of the credit should go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his personal interest and leadership. Remember, at least three of them, had not even seen a high-level visit for three decades,” he remarked.

–IANS

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Toxic Foam In Yamuna Is A Reflection Of Corruption In AAP Dispensation, Says BJP

By
The Commune
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Toxic Foam In Yamuna Is A Reflection Of Corruption In AAP Dispensation, Says BJP

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Saturday voiced strong criticism of the Atishi-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, alleging that the toxic foam in the Yamuna river reflects deep-rooted corruption in the city administration. “This foam isn’t just pollution, it’s the result of deep-rooted corruption in AAP government,” the BJP Delhi chief said. He claimed the Delhi government misused the central government’s allocated Rs 8,500 crore for Yamuna cleanup.

“Despite this, conditions have worsened under their watch,” he added. As Chhath Puja approaches, toxic foam has once again appeared in the Yamuna River, sparking a political storm. To address the issue, the Delhi government has initiated chemical spraying to reduce the foam, but this has done little to convince the BJP. Delhi BJP chief also recalled challenging Arvind Kejriwal to take a dip in the Yamuna to demonstrate its cleanliness.

“He didn’t show up. I have taken a dip myself, and the water is toxic. Our Purvanchali community members can’t celebrate Chhath in clean waters due to this mismanagement,” he said. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor has expressed disappointment at Atishi government’s delay in submitting a proposal for reappointing Civil Defence volunteers, who were let go during recent government cutbacks.

In a letter to Delhi Minister Atishi, the L-G urged the proposal’s expedited approval. The BJP Delhi chief supported the proposal made by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, stating, “Kejriwal executed the firing of over 10,000 civil defence volunteers and marshals, and the Delhi government has not yet responded to the proposal. The AAP government is neglecting the needs of the poor.”

–IANS

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PM Modi Transformed Ties With Key Partners In Last Decade: EAM Jaishankar

By
The Commune
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PM Modi Transformed Ties With Key Partners In Last Decade: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading from the front in transforming relationships with several key partner countries over the past 10 years. The EAM, while speaking at the release of the book ‘Friends: India’s closest strategic partners’ authored by Sreeram Chaulia in New Delhi, highlighted three transformations.

“The US, Japan and Australia have benefitted from Quad. They are actually examples of overcoming the hesitations of history. UAE and Israel are from a region that is being engaged comprehensively, at last. Russia and France are statements of multipolarity, ours as much as theirs,” he said. “If all these ties have changed so much in the last decade, much of the credit should go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his personal interest and leadership. Remember, at least three of them had not even seen a high-level visit for three decades,” remarked EAM Jaishankar.

While in some cases, he said, limited interaction took place, in others there were “longstanding ideological doubts” to overcome. The EAM admitted that cultivating friendships for a large power like India is never easy. “There is the emotional factor that comes with shared experiences that can be seen most visibly in respect with the Global South as we have a historical commonality. However, smaller partners need both constant reassurance and non-reciprocal handling. We see that as well in our Neighbourhood First policy.

Jaishankar acknowledged that India’s presence in world order today also attracts competition that will only grow as the country moves towards becoming a leading power with even friendships not being exclusive in the multipolar world. “Even friendships will not be without some hedging. Relating to other major powers is also a challenge in itself. The more global they are, the broader are their range of activities and interests… Sometimes friends have other friends, who may not necessarily be ours. They may reflect the dilemmas of the old order and the new. It is therefore essential that we never confuse convergence for congruence,” said the EAM.

–IANS

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Refrain From Burning Crop Residue, Haryana Govt Urges Farmers

By
The Commune
-

The Haryana government on Saturday appealed to the state’s farmers to refrain from burning crop residue after harvesting paddy. Burning crop residue not only leads to air pollution but also depletes soil nutrients. Instead of burning, farmers should mix the residue into the soil using machinery. Incorporating paddy residue into the soil will enhance soil fertility and contribute to a cleaner environment as well.

Sharing information in this regard, an official spokesperson for the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department said that the government has started the Haryana Parali Protsahan Yojana — 2024-25 to promote crop residue management. Under the scheme, a subsidy of Rs 1,000 per acre is being provided and to apply for the scheme one has to register themselves on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal. Interested farmers can apply online at the departmental portal agriharyana.gov.in till November 30 to avail benefits of the scheme.

The spokesperson further stated that the scheme aims to refrain farmers from burning stubble and to provide them with financial assistance. This initiative will not only protect the environment but also encourage farmers to manage crop residue properly. This will also help to combat the air pollution caused due to stubble burning. The spokesperson further said that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is also conducting awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the harmful effects of burning crop residue.

Agricultural experts are providing farmers with information about government schemes. The crop residue management scheme is a significant government initiative. Under this scheme, farmers are provided with agricultural equipment such as super seeders, zero-tillage machines, straw choppers, happy seeders, reversible ploughs, etc., at subsidised rates. These tools can help farmers mix the stubble into the soil to improve soil fertility.

–IANS

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CM Vijayan Is The Biggest Don: Top Kerala BJP Leader Sobha Surendran

By
The Commune
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CM Vijayan Is The Biggest Don: Top Kerala BJP Leader Sobha Surendran

In a hard-hitting opening-up before the media, top Kerala BJP leader Sobha Surendran on Saturday described Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as the biggest don in the state. “CM Vijayan is clear that he doesn’t wish to have my presence in Kerala. He (Vijayan) is deeply upset with me because I have been tracking all his things including his daughter Veena Vijayan and hence, he is against me. So is senior CPI-M leader E. P. Jayarajan who met me to discuss his joining the BJP,” said Sobha.

Sobha was going hammer and tongs against a section of the media and went to the extent of naming who they were as they were coming out with fabricated stories against her in the now controversial 2021 Kodakara hawala case, allegedly involving BJP leaders, that re-surfaced early this week. Sobha was fuming and asserted that she has nothing to do with former BJP Thrissur district office Secretary Tirur Satheesan who, the other day, revealed that the cash stolen from Kodakara was part of hawala money received by state BJP leaders for election expenditure.

“I have nothing to do with that and I am being targeted and the media is portraying that it’s me who is behind Tirur Satheesan.. I am not going to take this and I will retaliate strongly as I have nothing to do in this,” said an angry Sobha. The CPI-M is up in arms and has demanded a further investigation into it. Incidentally, the SIT formed for it has filed a charge sheet against 23 people, who are all presently out on bail.

She also pointed out that the probe by the national agencies in the now infamous Karuvanoor Cooperative Bank scam (in which few Thrissur top CPI-M leaders are involved) is not over and very soon more things will happen in that. Sobha, at the April 26 Lok Sabha polls, though she finished third, had made a strong fight at the Alappuzha Lok Sabha seat and is known for her fiery speeches.

–IANS

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Left Ecosystem In Frenzy Mode After PM Modi Exposed Cong’s Fake Promises: BJP MP

By
The Commune
-
Left Ecosystem In Frenzy Mode After PM Modi Exposed Cong’s Fake Promises: BJP MP

BJP National Yuva Morcha President and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Saturday criticised the Congress, saying that the entire left ecosystem has gone into a ‘frenzy mode’ after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi exposed the Congress government’s fake promises.

“To fund freebies, Congress is siphoning money off the common man’s pocket. Claiming to give benefits, but looting the same people is a strategy that is bound to fail. What PM Modi has highlighted is how aware citizens are and making informed choices like they made in Haryana,” he said. He added that the Congress leaders cannot “suppress” PM Modi’s message with their “shrill rhetoric” and “name-calling”. “PM Modi’s message to be vigilant from the Congress fake promises reflect the ground reality in Karnataka,” he said. “The whole Left ecosystem, starting with the Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to Congress Chief Ministers across states, seem to have gotten into a frenzy and have become desperate to hide the truth that PM Modi exposed in his posts on fake promises by the Congress,” he stated.

He added that what PM Modi has highlighted is a living reality in Karnataka as the unsustainable freebie model has wreaked havoc on the state’s developmental journey in the last 1.5 years which has severely crippled the pace of progress. He said that development has taken a backfoot in the state because of the unsustainable guarantees that the Congress party is trying to keep alive. “To accommodate freebies – although there is a budgetary provision made, the Chief Minister has achieved the provision by reducing the budget in other key sectors,” he said.

He claimed that the agricultural budget has been reduced by 38 per cent; the irrigation budget – crucial for many North Karnataka districts and in South Karnataka too – has been reduced by 17 per cent; the Capital Expenditure is down by 13 per cent; for Education, 11 per cent budget is allocated while State Average is 14.7 per cent. He added that the state government’s budget has allocated merely 0.6 per cent towards Urban Development, against other states average of 3.5 per cent. “Inadequate funds have pushed Bengaluru infra from bad to worse. About Rs 13,000 crore of SC/ST funds have been redirected to fund the freebies,” Surya said.

He claimed that every MLA across all party lines is seen complaining about the lack of funds for local area development. “The government stopped Rs 4000 that was earlier added as State Contribution to PM Kisan Fund, directly impacting over 58 Lakh farmers,” he further claimed. He also claimed that while government hospitals do not have medicines at their pharmacies due to lack of funds, legacy institutions like KSRTC are being pushed to 100s of crores of losses. “All this is done to keep the evidently unsustainable guarantees alive,” he alleged.

–IANS

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