Stay updated with the latest Other news, articles, and insights from trusted sources. Explore in-depth coverage and expert analysis on Other topics.
Bhubaneswar: In an era when student safety has become an urgent concern, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's proactive launch of the 'Shaktishree' initiative on Saturday evening appears not only timely but also visionary. The programme, unveiled in response to the recent tragic incident involving a girl student at FM College, Balasore, aims at the physical and mental empowerment of girl students -- striking a delicate yet determined balance between compassion and structural reform. According to experts, at its heart, Shaktishree is a forward-thinking approach to nurturing both the physical and mental well-being of students, particularly girls, across Odisha's higher education landscape. By embedding the initiative into 730 government and government-aided colleges, along with 16 universities, the CM has signalled a shift toward a more student-centric, responsive administrative culture. The introduction of the Shaktishree mobile application -- equipped with an anonymous complaint feature, SOS button, and direct access to mental health support via Tele-MANAS -- is not just a digital measure but a meaningful reassurance to thousands of young minds seeking safe spaces to learn and grow. What adds a deeply humane layer to this programme is the creation of a mentorship framework led by Shaktishree Apas -- five dedicated women mentors per district who will interact directly with students. This grassroots-level engagement could potentially bridge the trust deficit that often exists between students and institutional authorities. The government's insistence on annual gender sensitivity training for all staff, the installation of CCTV cameras, and the setting up of Shakti Kendras in every college reflect a holistic understanding of the problem. The mandatory yearly safety audit and the institutionalised Shakti Swarupuni workshop further signal the CM's intent to ensure accountability, rather than relying on reactive, fire-fighting mechanisms. By gently embedding layers of protection, awareness, and accountability, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi is, in effect, laying down the foundation for a new social contract between students and institutions. While the real test will lie in implementation, the blueprint has all the right ingredients -- empathy, foresight, and structure. In Shaktishree, Odisha finds more than just a policy; it discovers a promise -- a promise that safety, dignity, and empowerment will not be optional, but institutional. And for that, the CM and his team deserve credit not just for taking action, but for taking the right action at the right time.
Hyderabad, Dec 5 (Maxim News): Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the Indiramma House Survey mobile application on Thursday morning. The selection of the beneficiaries of the housing scheme will be done from tomorrow (Friday) through this app. Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp Speaking on this occasion, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said that the Indiramma house scheme was started with Rs. 10 thousand. Today it has reached Rs. 5 lakh. He said that they are providing financial assistance at the rate of Rs. 5 lakh to each poor person for the construction of a house. It is everyone's dream t ...Read More >
BJP member Manas Dutta blamed the previous BJD government and held it responsible for not extending their service agreement which ended in April, 2024. As hundreds of women working as support staff under the Mission Shakti department staged a demonstration outside the Assembly over different issues, the opposition BJD on Monday demanded immediate release of their salaries. While the agitating women were shouting slogans at the Mahatma Gandhi Road leading to the Assembly, the issue was raised in ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jan 17 (VOICE) Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched a mobile application for the upcoming investor summit 'Advantage Assam' in the state. He has also reviewed the progress of preparations for this ambitious initiative of the state government. "The Advantage Assam app is available for different platforms," the Chief Minister said. He has encouraged people to install this mobile application to know more about the upcoming event. Meanwhile, minister Pijush Hazarika said that the biggest investors' and infrastructure summit of North East #AdvantageAssam2.0 is schedul ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jun 5 (PTI) The Assam Congress on Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into alleged illegal stone mining in Karbi Anglong district in violation of a Supreme Court order. Addressing a press conference here, former Rajya Sabha member Ripun Bora also alleged that Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was allowing illegal activities in the district in nexus with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "Large-scale illegal stone mining is taking place in the hills of Karbi Anglong in violation of the Supreme Court order. The SC had banned mining in and around K ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at 15 places in Mumbai and Kochi in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam that caused a wrongful loss of more than Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), official sources said. The massive crackdown is underway at the premises across Mumbai and Kochi linked to the accused and suspects as part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities. According to the sources, the searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locat ...Read More >
Winter pollution is increasingly harmful, posing serious physical and mental health risks. As air quality deteriorates, cities, particularly the capital, face heightened pollution levels, leading to stress and health complications. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is on the rise, especially among the young, while adults are experiencing worsened existing conditions. To combat the effects of pollution, it's essential to adopt mindful practices, stay hydrated, follow a skincare routine, keep indoor plants, and maintain regular exercise. These steps can improve well-being, reduce stress, and enh ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
Aditya Tiwari's journey as a single father to Avnish, a child with Down syndrome, showcases resilience, love, and advocacy for disability rights in India. On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3rd, we celebrate stories of resilience and advocacy that inspire change. One such story is that of Aditya Tiwari, a single father who adopted Avnish, a child with Down syndrome. Since 2016, their journey has not only highlighted the challenges faced by single male parents in India but also served as a beacon of hope for many. Aditya's journey began on Sep ...Read More >
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced several pre-election promises targeting auto drivers. These include a ₹10 lakh insurance policy, ₹1 lakh for daughters' marriages, a biannual ₹2,500 uniform allowance, free coaching for their children, and the relaunch of the 'PoochO' ride-booking app. Kejriwal and the AAP are campaigning to secure a third term in the upcoming February elections.Ahead of crucial Delhi assembly polls, Arvind Kejriwal promised several measures for auto dri ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a noisy scene as Opposition BJD and Congress members held protests inside the House over alleged non-payment of salaries to around 60,000 women supporting staffers under the 'Mission Shakti' scheme. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of "conspiring to stop" salaries of the 'Mission Shakti' staff. As soon as the Question Hour began, the BJD and Congress members trooped to the well of the House and demanded immediate release of salaries of around 60,000 women supporting staff working under the 'Mission Shakti' sch ...Read More >
Mumbai: The death toll in Monday's BEST bus crash rose to seven and the number of injured to 42 even as the driver, Sanjay More, booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, claimed he had noticed a spark and mistakenly accelerated the bus instead of applying brakes. Seeking More's custody, police said they want to investigate if he intentionally used the vehicle as a weapon. The bus on Route 332 had accelerated on a congested 200m stretch near Kurla station hitting vehicles and pedestr ...Read More >
A top Army officer has raised significant concerns in his review of women Commanding Officers (COs), flagging "ego issues", "frequent complaints", and "lack of empathy". The feedback letter was written by Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri, the outgoing Corps Commander of the 17 Corps, to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. The letter, dated October 1, 2024, provides an analysis of challenges observed in units led by women COs within the 17 Corps over the past year. The letter has sparked discussions within the military and among defence analysts about the Army's effor ...Read More >
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced that the Telangana Government will seek the Central Government's assistance for the construction of Indiramma houses to fulfil the Congress promise of providing houses to all shelterless families. 4.5 lakh houses, ₹5 lakh assistance The government has taken up construction of 3,500 houses each in the 119 assembly constituencies totalling to 4.5 lakh houses in the first phase and has decided to provide financial assistance of ₹5 lakh in four inst ...Read More >
The incident occurred around 1:30 am in Bengaluru's Veerabhadra Nagar. Bengaluru: The statue of the revered Lingayat seer Shivakumar Swami of Bengaluru's Siddaganga Mutt was vandalised on November 30. The accused, 37-year-old delivery executive Srikrishna, was arrested by the police, but his explanation for the act has left both the cops and the people of Karnataka bewildered. Srikrishna, a native of Andhra Pradesh, confessed to the crime during interrogation, claiming that he was "inspired" to ...Read More >
Bhawanipatna: Odisha on Tuesday remembered freedom fighter and tribal icon Rando Majhi on his 169th martyrdom day. Rando headed a movement against the British from 1853 till he was shot dead by the police two years later. Taking to X, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said: "A humble tribute to the great freedom fighter, tribal leader Rando Majhi, on his Sacrifice Day. His dedication and sacrifice for the protection of motherland will always be remembered." Rando, along with his 19 associates, was gunned down by British police while taking rest at Urladani in Kalahandi district on December 10, ...Read More >
Shimla, June 5 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced that six lakh stainless steel water bottles would be distributed among school students across the state as an initiative against plastic use. Presiding over the state-level World Environment Day function here, he said that the state government's top priority is environmental protection and concrete measures are being taken to control plastic pollution. Sukhu said that regulations related to plastic use have been made quite stringent and consistent efforts are being made to increase public awaren ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 5 (PTI) The presence of a Bharat Mata portrait, allegedly associated with RSS shakhas, at a World Environment Day event at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday led to the state government boycotting the programme, prompting Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to assert that there would be no compromise on Bharat Mata. Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad, who boycotted the event, said that the state government respects Bharat Mata, but using an image commonly associated with RSS shakhas for an official function at Raj Bhavan is unconstitutional. While the Raj Bhavan went ahead ...Read More >
Haridwar: A woman politician has been arrested for allegedly letting her boyfriend and others repeatedly rape her 13-year-old daughter in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The horrifying crime, which occurred between January and March, was exposed when the minor bravely confided in her father, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of the accused. The accused was arrested with her boyfriend and one more. According to police reports, the minor was gang-raped multiple times, often in the presence of her mother. The minor, who had been living with her father following her parents' separat ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Famous producer Ektaa Kapoor has met Chief Minister Mohan Majhi in Odisha Assembly on Tuesday and thanked him for declaring 'The Sabarmati Report' tax-free in Odisha. She had urged Chief Minister Majhi and the Council of Ministers to watch the film. On November 28 Odisha government declared to remove the entertainment tax from 'The Sabarmati Report', informed Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mukesh Mahaling. The movie is produced by her. Taking to his X handle, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, "People's government has decided to make the film 'Sabarmati Report' based on ...Read More >
Police officials said the man, from Visakhapatnam, had already paid the principal amount but was being hounded for a huge amount as interest. The man's family has lodged complaints with the police commissioner and the district collector. Hyderabad: Facing relentless harassment after taking a loan of Rs 2,000 from an instant loan app, a 27-year-old died by suicide in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam just 47 days after he got married. Police officials said Narendra, who catches fish for a living, ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, June 5 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday urged the people to resolve to end plastic pollution and maintain a healthy, clean environment. "Today, let us pledge to eliminate plastic pollution and create a healthier, cleaner environment for our citizens," Majhi said while addressing the state-level World Environment Day event. He noted that plastic has become an integral part of our lives, especially single-use plastics. Stressing that plastic waste must be ad ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Former head of Air India and chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani is the new Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) director. The official order for his appointment was issued on Wednesday. A 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), Lohani is known for turning around various organisations during his illustrious career. Following his retirement from IRSME service, he joined the GMR Group as the CEO. According to the order dated June 4, his appointment to the post of director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library in the rank and pa ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Pioneering furniture fittings solutions brand Hettich India is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that celebrates the company's unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem where everybody thrives. Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh Concert in Kolkata 2024: Planning to Attend Dil-Luminati Tour, Don't Miss These 5 Must-Try Local Foods. This honor is especially meaningful, with an overwhelming 95% participation from employees helping Hettich India. It reflects a shared commitment to creating a fam ...Read More >
Bengaluru news: The accused who vandalised statue of the revered Lingayat seer Shivakumar Swami from Bengaluru's Siddaganga Mutt last month has been arrested and is currently remanded in the judicial custody. However, the reason given by him for his wrongdoings is shocking. The accused, identified as Srikrishna, reportedly claimed that a vision of Jesus Christ in his dream inspired him to deface the statue, according to NDTV report. On November 30, Srikrishna at 1.30 am reached near the statue which was at Bengaluru's Veerabhadra Nagar. He partially defaced Seer's statue and left the scene. ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The government received 8 million applications for Indiramma houses and the acceptance of these applications should be completed by December 31, said the revenue and housing minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. On Wednesday, December 12 the minister held a video conference at the secretariat with Telangana chief minister's advisor Vem Narender Reddy and chief secretary Shanti Kumari. They discussed the examination of Indiramma house applications, the conduct of Group-II examinations, a social survey, and other related issues. Instructing officials to involve members of the Indiramm ...Read More >
Chennai, Dec 18 (VOICE) The Tamil Nadu police have ramped up security measures at border check posts with Kerala after reports of medical waste being dumped in a public area at Palavoor, Kadangallur, in Tirunelveli district surfaced.Patrolling has been intensified across various check posts in districts including Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Gudalur, and Theni. Tirunelveli district police have warned of strict action against those involved in the illegal disposal. Environmental activists allege that large quantities of medical waste are being transported illegally from Kerala and dumped in Tamil ...Read More >
Puri: Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan with the blessings of Lord Jagannath in Odisha's Puri. Chouhan launched this new scheme by joining a special program at the Puri Sakshi Gopal Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Speaking to the reporters after taking blessings from Lord Jagannath, Chouhan said, "The new scheme of the Centre, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, is being launched from Jagannath Dham. The aim of the scheme is that our agricultural scientists will go to the villages and, according to the weather, so ...Read More >
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 5 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel graced the distribution ceremony of 50 JCB machines organised by the Bharwad Yuva Sangathan - Gujarat Pradesh, held at Town Hall in Gandhinagar on Thursday. During the event, 50 economically disadvantaged youths from the Bharwad community were provided with JCB machines without any down payment, as part of an initiative to empower them towards self-reliance, according to the press release. Commending the efforts of the organization, the Chief Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always emphas ...Read More >
Have a calm conversation with your parents, expressing your feelings for your boyfriend while being open about the current situation between the two of you. Sometimes, parents worry because they don't know the full picture, says rediffGURU Kanchan Rai. You can post your questions to rediffGURU Kanchan Rai HERE. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com Are your parents worried about your marriage? What do you do when your parents disapprove of your relationship? Is it normal to have feelings for someone else while you are in a committed relationship? How to handle your emotions when you f ...Read More >