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Curfew Imposed in Several Areas of Manipur Amid Ongoing Tensions, Extensive Patrolling Underway

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The Manipur government has imposed curfews in multiple areas across the state as violence continues to disrupt daily life, heightening tensions among residents. The unrest, which has impacted various communities and districts, prompted authorities to enforce strict measures to restore order and maintain public safety.

Authorities reported incidents of unrest that began escalating earlier this month, with clashes between groups resulting in property damage, injuries, and public fear. The government has mobilized additional police forces to increase patrols in high-risk areas, and restrictions on movement have been put in place to prevent further incidents.

Curfew Restrictions and Law Enforcement Measures

Under the imposed curfew, residents are prohibited from leaving their homes during specified hours. Exemptions apply for essential services, and law enforcement is ensuring that medical personnel and emergency services are not interrupted. Officials have stated that these restrictions will remain in place until stability is restored.

In a press briefing, local law enforcement officials emphasized that extensive patrolling efforts are being conducted, particularly in areas that have seen repeated flare-ups. Security checkpoints and quick response teams have been deployed to deter further violence.

Root Causes of the Tension

The recent wave of violence in Manipur stems from underlying socio-political issues that have fueled long-standing grievances among local communities. Despite peace efforts, tensions have remained high due to unresolved disputes over community rights, land ownership, and political representation. Social media has also played a role, as misinformation and inflammatory content have spread rapidly, exacerbating hostilities.

Calls for Peace and Government Response

Community leaders and activists have urged all sides to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogues. The Manipur state government has assured citizens that steps are being taken to address core issues and bring about a peaceful resolution. Local officials are in close coordination with the central government, aiming to facilitate peaceful negotiations and stability.

The ongoing violence in Manipur highlights the region’s deep-rooted challenges and has drawn national attention, with many hoping for a swift resolution.

Nirmala Sitharaman to Convene Key Pre-Budget and GST Council Meetings in December

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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to engage in critical pre-Budget discussions with state finance ministers on December 21-22, along with the 55th GST Council meeting. The meetings, expected to take place in Rajasthan, will likely be held in either Jaisalmer or Jodhpur, according to official sources.

The upcoming Budget, scheduled to be unveiled on February 1, 2025, will see state finance ministers presenting their recommendations to Sitharaman during the pre-Budget session. The 55th GST Council meeting, slated for one of the two days, is anticipated to address pressing issues, including a potential reduction or exemption in GST on health and life insurance policies. This decision, long awaited, is expected to benefit various policyholders, especially senior citizens and individuals with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. However, premiums on policies above Rs 5 lakh are likely to retain an 18% GST rate.

Other proposed changes include rationalizing tax rates for commonly used goods. A panel of state ministers has recommended reducing GST on essential items, such as packaged drinking water (20 liters and above) and bicycles below Rs 10,000, from 12% to 5%. Additionally, exercise notebooks may see a tax reduction from 12% to 5%, enhancing affordability for daily essentials. However, luxury goods, including high-end wristwatches (over Rs 25,000) and shoes priced above Rs 15,000, could see a GST hike from 18% to 28%, as proposed by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalization.

Samrat Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, heads the 13-member GoM on health and life insurance and a 6-member GoM on rate rationalization. In its last meeting on September 9, the GST Council instructed the GoM to finalize its report by October-end, examining potential revenue impacts. This exercise is expected to generate an additional revenue of approximately Rs 22,000 crore.

Currently, GST operates under a four-tier structure with rates at 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. Essential goods generally fall under lower slabs, while luxury and non-essential items attract the highest rates, alongside an additional cess. The need for GST rate restructuring has gained urgency as the average GST rate has fallen below the revenue-neutral level of 15.3%.

“K.T. Rama Rao addresses a press conference in Delhi, questioning Congress’s track record and BJP’s silence on Telangana’s key issues.”

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New Delhi: BRS Working President Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR) held a press conference at the BRS Party office in New Delhi, accusing the Telangana Congress government of deep-rooted corruption. KTR claimed that despite multiple allegations, the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has failed to act against Congress-led corruption in Telangana.

KTR raised questions about a contract worth Rs. 1,137 crore awarded to Shoda Constructions, a company owned by Srujan Reddy, the brother-in-law of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. He highlighted that Shoda Constructions, with a net profit of just Rs. 2.2 crore, is an obscure entity, suggesting irregularities and accusing the Chief Minister of violating “office of profit” regulations.

In a significant move, a BRS delegation led by KTR met with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, submitting alleged evidence of corruption and urging the central government to take action against Revanth Reddy and the Congress administration.

KTR further criticized the BJP’s sincerity in tackling corruption, labeling this issue as a “litmus test” for the party’s commitment. He warned that if the central government fails to address the alleged corruption in Amrit tenders during the upcoming parliamentary session, the BRS will escalate the issue in Parliament, particularly in the Rajya Sabha.

KTR also directed his criticism at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that Gandhi has been deceiving the people of Maharashtra with unfulfilled promises. He claimed that funds from Telangana, amounting to Rs. 300 crore, are being misused to spread misleading information in Maharashtra.

Additionally, KTR accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of improperly acquiring land in Kodangal for a pharma company owned by his son-in-law, raising concerns about land rights and transparency in Telangana’s development projects.

The BRS leader’s pointed allegations have raised the stakes for both the Congress and the BJP, who now face increased pressure to address these corruption claims ahead of the next parliamentary session.

“Empowering Future Tech Leaders: 77 MJCET Students Earn Wipro TalentNext Java Full Stack Certification”

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Hyderabad, November 11, 2024 : Muffakham Jah College of Engineering & Technology (MJCET), Banjara Hills, held a Certificate Presentation Ceremony to recognize 77 students who successfully completed the Wipro TalentNext Java Full Stack Certification Course. Mr. Zafar Javeed, Honorary Secretary of the Sultan-ul-Uloom Education Society (SUES) and Chairman of MJCET’s Governing Council, presented the certificates and congratulated the students. The event was attended by key figures including Mr. K.V. Narsimha Rao, Registrar of MJCET; Prof. Farooq Basha, Training & Placement Officer; Prof. Syed Shabbeer Ahmed, Head of CSE Department; Prof. Gouri R. Patil, Head of IT Department; Prof. Ayesha Naaz, Head of ECE Department; and Dr. Asrar Ahmed, Associate Head of the CS and AI Department.

The TalentNext program, a Wipro Technologies initiative, aims to enhance the skillsets of third-year engineering students across India by providing “Digital Ready Skills” in Java Full Stack Technology. MJCET is one of 150 colleges nationwide chosen to partner with Wipro for this initiative, which is offered free of charge to help improve students’ employability.

The course, spanning approximately 150 hours, was conducted by Wipro Certified Faculty Dr. MD Asrar Ahmed, an Assistant Professor in MJCET’s Information Technology Department. The training sessions, which began on June 7, 2024, took place online every Friday and Saturday. The program concluded on October 13, 2024, with students required to pass four remotely proctored assessments to achieve certification.

A total of 77 students successfully cleared all assessments. This certification is expected to greatly enhance their readiness for career opportunities, both on-campus and off-campus.

During the ceremony, Mr. Zafar Javeed congratulated the students, encouraging them to leverage their new skills to advance in their careers.

This achievement highlights MJCET’s commitment to equipping students with industry-ready skills in collaboration with Wipro Technologies.

“Watch: Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India”

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New Delhi, November 11, 2024 : Justice Sanjiv Khanna was officially sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, taking over from Justice DY Chandrachud, who concluded his tenure last Friday. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in a ceremony that marked the transition in India’s top judiciary post. Justice Khanna’s appointment was notified by the Centre on October 24, following Justice Chandrachud’s recommendation earlier on October 16.

Justice Khanna, 64, brings a legacy of landmark judgments and legal acumen to his new role. Known for his progressive rulings, he has contributed significantly to shaping India’s legal landscape. His tenure as CJI, though brief, will conclude on May 13, 2025, due to the age limit for Supreme Court judges.

Noteworthy Judicial Contributions

Throughout his career, Justice Khanna has been involved in several landmark decisions. His judgments include significant cases such as the abolition of the electoral bonds scheme and the affirmation of the abrogation of Article 370. He also supported the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections, strengthening India’s electoral processes.

Justice Khanna has presided over many prominent cases. In a notable decision, his bench granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during the Lok Sabha elections, enabling him to campaign despite ongoing legal proceedings.

A Distinguished Background

Justice Sanjiv Khanna belongs to a family with a rich judicial legacy. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, served as a judge at the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, Justice HR Khanna, was a renowned former Supreme Court judge known for his principled stand in the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency.

Justice Khanna’s legal journey began in 1983 when he enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, initially practicing in the Tis Hazari District Courts before moving to the Delhi High Court. He served as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department and later as standing counsel for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. His judicial career advanced in 2005 with his appointment as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court, becoming a permanent judge in 2006. On January 18, 2019, he ascended to the Supreme Court, where he contributed to numerous influential rulings before assuming his role as Chief Justice of India.

Sikh Community to Celebrate 555th Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev Ji from November 11-15, 2024

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Pic: Style Photo Service

Hyderabad, November 10, 2024 – The Sikh community in Hyderabad and Secunderabad is preparing for the grand celebration of the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. From November 11 to November 15, 2024, devotees will honor Guru Nanak’s message of peace and communal harmony with a series of vibrant events, including holy processions, congregations, and night Keertan Darbars.

Two Major Nagar Keertans (Holy Processions) Planned

The first Nagar Keertan will be organized by Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad on November 11, starting at 4 p.m. The procession will travel through Manohar Talkies, Clock Tower, Bata, Patny Circle, Kingsway, Monda Market, and Alpha Hotel, culminating at the Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad. Thousands of devotees are expected to join, and the procession will feature the Guru Granth Sahib, the revered Sikh scripture, carried on a beautifully decorated vehicle. Devotees will carry Nishaan Sahebans (religious flags), while Shabad Keertans (holy hymns) will be sung by Jatha Tera Jatha, Istri Satsang, and various Keerthani Jathas. “Panj Pyaras” (five beloved ones) will lead the procession in traditional attire, and the renowned Sikh martial art, Gatka, will be performed by the Dashmesh Kalgidhar Jatha and other groups.

The second Nagar Keertan will commence from Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Afzalgunj on November 13 at 4 p.m. This procession will proceed through Afzalgunj, Siddiambar Bazar, Jambagh, Putli Bowli, and Central Gurudwara Saheb Gowliguda before returning to Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Afzalgunj by evening. Similar to the first procession, it will feature devotional hymns, traditional Panj Pyaras, and Gatka demonstrations.

Vishaal Deewan (Mass Congregation) on November 15

The main Prakash Utsav celebrations will take place on November 15 at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally, where a Vishaal Deewan (mass congregation) will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 devotees are expected to attend. The congregation will include Gurbani Keertans (holy hymns) performed by distinguished Ragi Jathas invited from across India. Renowned Ragis like Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Ji from Golden Temple, Bhai Amarjeet Singh from Patiala, and others will deliver Shabad Keertans and sermons, emphasizing Guru Nanak’s teachings of peace, equality, and humanity. Following the congregation, a Guru Ka Langar (free community meal) will be served.

Night Keertan Darbars on November 14 and 15

In addition, Night Keertan Darbars are scheduled for November 14 and November 15. The first will be held at Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and the second at Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Afzalgunj from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., where prominent Ragi Jathas will continue their hymns.

This extensive series of events, organized by the Prabhandak Committees of Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, aims to celebrate Guru Nanak’s legacy and to inspire the community to carry forward his message of universal brotherhood and spiritual harmony.

Hyderabad’s Indira Eegalapati Breaks New Ground as One of Riyadh Metro’s First Female Loco Pilots

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Riyadh – Indira Eegalapati, a Hyderabad native, stands among the few female loco pilots contributing to the Riyadh Metro as it nears the final stages of its trial runs. This landmark project, slated for full operation by early 2025, has brought Eegalapati pride as she plays a pivotal role in the Saudi capital’s rapid transit system.

At 33, Eegalapati reflects on her journey as both a train pilot and station operations master, a career that began five years ago. Originally working with Hyderabad Metro, she seized the opportunity with Riyadh Metro when she learned of job openings abroad. “Being part of a prestigious, world-class project as an expatriate is truly a proud moment,” she shared.

In 2019, Eegalapati and two other Indians joined the team in Riyadh; however, the pandemic quickly required them to adapt to virtual training sessions. Despite the challenges, Eegalapati has found the experience rewarding and expresses appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s welcoming culture. “The people here are incredibly friendly, and it’s hard to believe five years have flown by,” she told PTI.

Notably, Eegalapati is one of the first women recruited for Riyadh Metro and speaks highly of the gender-equal workplace. “There’s no gender bias here; we all have equal opportunities,” she affirmed.

Eegalapati’s roots trace back to Dhullipalla in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, though she moved to Hyderabad in 2006. Raised in a lower-middle-class family, her father, a mechanic, prioritized education over marriage for his daughters. “For him, education came first, even though we came from modest means,” Eegalapati remarked. She completed her engineering degree, while her elder sister became a teacher and her youngest sibling also works as a train pilot with Hyderabad Metro. Her husband is similarly employed in the maintenance department of Riyadh Metro.

Eegalapati’s expertise extends beyond Riyadh; she was deployed to Doha in 2022 to manage crowds at the FIFA World Cup. “The experience of coordinating such a large crowd successfully was truly memorable,” she recalled.

With Riyadh Metro’s public operations on the horizon, Eegalapati continues to break barriers, representing Hyderabad and India on an international stage.

Blast in Telangana Spice Kitchen Shakes Jubilee Hills; Sparks Renewed Safety Concerns

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SNS Newz

Hyderabad, November 10, 2024: An early morning explosion in the kitchen of Telangana Spice Kitchen, a well-known restaurant on Road Number 9 in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, sent shockwaves through the locality, alarming residents and causing structural damage to nearby homes. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, led to a minor injury sustained by a woman and caused extensive damage to the restaurant’s kitchen area.

According to preliminary findings, the blast originated from a malfunctioning refrigerator compressor, ruling out an LPG cylinder explosion—a more common cause in similar incidents. The Jubilee Hills police and a forensic clues team are conducting a thorough investigation to confirm the exact cause. The force of the blast caused cement blocks from the restaurant to fall on nearby thatched houses, heightening the impact of the explosion for the surrounding community.

This incident is not an isolated one, as Hyderabad has seen a series of similar mishaps in its hospitality sector. In the last two years, at least six reported cases have involved fire-related accidents at restaurants and hotels. Notable instances include a gas cylinder explosion in Begumpet that injured three employees last year and an electrical fire at a Banjara Hills hotel, leading to an evacuation. These repeated incidents underscore the urgent need for more stringent safety protocols in restaurant kitchens.

Urgent Safety Measures Needed

In light of these occurrences, safety experts are calling for immediate implementation of robust safety measures across the city’s eateries. Recommended precautions include:

  1. Frequent Inspections of Equipment: Routine checks of compressors, gas cylinders, and other kitchen equipment are essential to ensure they function safely and do not pose explosion risks.
  2. Ventilation and Fire Suppression: Proper ventilation and automatic fire suppression systems can mitigate damage and prevent fires from spreading uncontrollably in case of an incident.
  3. Employee Training for Emergencies: Kitchen staff should be well-trained in emergency response, particularly in operating fire extinguishers and following evacuation procedures.
  4. Electrical Safety Checks: Preventing electrical-related accidents requires regular inspections to identify faulty wiring or overloaded circuits.

Following this incident, authorities have reiterated the importance of safety compliance in commercial kitchens. “Ensuring public safety is paramount. The restaurant sector must prioritize regular equipment checks and staff training,” a fire department official emphasized. SHO of Jubilee Hills Police added, “LPG cylinders were found intact; the explosion likely involved a faulty compressor. A comprehensive investigation by our clues team is underway.”

This blast serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in commercial kitchen operations and the critical importance of preventive safety measures.

Young Innovators Showcase Robotics and Sustainable Tech Solutions at Mekathlon 2024 Hyderabad Edition

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Photo Aleem Style

Hyderabad, November 9, 2024: The Hyderabad edition of Mekathlon 2024, a major STEM Fest, concluded on a high note with over 1500 students displaying remarkable talent and creativity in Robotics and Sustainable Development projects. The event, organized in collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Council, Commonwealth Student Association, and Global Understanding for Sustainable Development (GUSD), emphasized hands-on STEM learning and aimed to empower young minds as future leaders in science and technology.

The Hyderabad edition featured competitions such as the EcoInnova Science Exhibition, Brainiac Battle Quiz, and advanced Robotics challenges including Racer Robo, Fastest Line Follower, and Obstacle Avoider. Participants, aged 8 to 18, applied STEM concepts to solve real-world challenges, blending technical skills with creativity. Winners from this regional edition earned their place in the grand finale, set for November 23-24, 2024.

Ms. Tabassum Zaidi, Principal of Orchids The International School’s Bachupally campus, highlighted the event’s impact: “Mekathlon 2024’s Hyderabad edition showcased incredible creativity and dedication, underscoring how STEM education can address real-world issues. The exceptional projects reflect both solid STEM understanding and a commitment to solving global challenges.”

Jimmy Ahuja, Head of STEM at K12 Techno Services, commended the achievements: “Mekathlon 2024’s Hyderabad projects illustrate the powerful synergy between STEM learning and creative thinking. It’s inspiring to see young minds using science and technology to make a positive impact, showing the boundless potential that STEM education can unlock.”

Shlok Srivastava, Head of Orchids Foundation Career Program, noted the environmental focus: “The projects at Mekathlon reflect an impressive blend of technical skill and sustainability awareness. Each student has demonstrated that STEM can drive meaningful change, and their dedication to sustainability speaks volumes.”

Zonal Head Ravi Nayak emphasized the broader value of the event: “Mekathlon equips students with skills extending far beyond academics, empowering them for future contributions to industries and communities.”

Conceptualized by K12 Techno Services, Mekathlon 2024 fosters a culture of innovation, preparing students for complex challenges with cutting-edge technology. The Hyderabad edition marked a journey of collaboration, learning, and inspiration, setting the stage for continued achievements in STEM.

BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy Arrested During Dalit Bandhu Protest, Admitted to Hospital After Alleged Police Assault

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KTR Condemns Police Brutality, Slams Congress Government for Attacking Public Representatives

Huzurabad, November 9: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and Huzurabad MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy was arrested by the police on Saturday during a protest demanding the release of the second phase of financial assistance under the Dalit Bandhu scheme. Reddy, who has been actively advocating for the scheme’s expansion, was leading a march with hundreds of Dalits towards the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Huzurabad when the incident occurred.

During the protest, Reddy was allegedly forcefully arrested by the police, during which he claimed to have sustained injuries. Following his arrest, Reddy complained of chest pain and was subsequently admitted to the Huzurabad government hospital. Speaking to the media on his way to the hospital, Reddy accused the police of brutality, claiming, “CM Revanth Reddy is planning to murder me. They beat me up and tore my clothes. You can see how a circle inspector held my collar.”

Reddy had recently announced plans to invite applications from eligible Dalits for the second phase of Dalit Bandhu, which he believes is crucial for the upliftment of the Dalit community in his constituency.

KTR Condemns Police Action, Criticizes State Government

BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) condemned the police action, accusing the Congress-led state government of mishandling the situation. KTR criticized the “reckless” approach of the police, noting that they showed no regard for Reddy’s position as an elected representative. He questioned whether Indiramma Rajyam—referring to the government’s commitment to welfare—allowed such attacks on public representatives for simply questioning the administration.

In a direct attack on the leadership of Revanth Reddy, KTR described the Congress government as “incompetent” and accused it of resorting to violence when faced with accountability. “Unable to fulfill its promises, the spineless Revanth government is now targeting those who hold it accountable,” KTR said, adding that such actions reflected the cultural decline of the current government.

KTR also warned police officers involved in the incident, stating that their actions would not be overlooked when BRS returns to power. Alleging that Revanth Reddy was fearful of Kaushik Reddy’s efforts to challenge the government, KTR suggested that this had led to a targeted vendetta against the MLA.

Further Condemnation and Demand for Accountability

Referring to an earlier incident where a BRS MLA was reportedly attacked by Congress workers, KTR stated that the use of police force against Kaushik Reddy was a display of the government’s cowardice. “The BRS cadre will not be intimidated by such aggression,” KTR asserted.

KTR demanded immediate action against the police officers involved in the attack on Kaushik Reddy and called for the release of all BRS activists who were arrested during the protest. The BRS party has vowed to continue advocating for the Dalit Bandhu scheme and will not be deterred by such acts of violence.

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