Jhargram, Aug 6: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission (EC) for suspending four state government officers and a data entry operator over alleged lapses in preparing the electoral rolls, questioning the legality of the move and accusing the poll panel of acting at the behest of the BJP.
State government workers are being intimidated, Banerjee alleged.
“The officers were served suspension notices yesterday. Have the elections even been announced yet? Which law allows them to be suspended at this stage? It is our responsibility to protect you all. We will do that. We will not suspend them,” Banerjee asserted while addressing a public meeting.
The TMC supremo accused the EC of trying to intimidate government officials and said her administration would stand by its employees.
“They have started suspending people even though a long time is left before the elections. They (ECI) are the bonded labour of the BJP. They are acting as agents of (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah and the BJP. The home minister thinks whatever he says will happen,” Banerjee alleged.
Her remarks came a day after the Election Commission suspended four officers – two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and two Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) – and a data entry operatorand a casual worker in West Bengal for allegedly committing irregularities while preparing electoral rolls in Baruipur Purba and Moyna assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur districts, respectively. (PTI)
Mamata slams EC for suspending WB officials over voter roll lapses
Govt committed to bring child marriage to zero by 2026: Assam CM
GUWAHATI, Aug 6: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the state government has renewed its tirade against child marriage with the launch of Nijut Moina 2.0, a scheme for empowering girl students.
“With the launch of Nijut Moina 2.0, four lakh girl students will be saved from the scourge of child marriage while fulfilling their dreams of being academically empowered. We are committed to bring down child marriage to zero by 2026,” the chief minister said during the state-wide distribution of forms for the scheme at a central function in Gauhati University.
The scheme also aims to reduce school dropout rates and promote higher education among young girls, especially from underprivileged backgrounds.
It may be noted that under the scheme, in the year 2025-26, four lakh students covering Higher Secondary, Under Graduate, Post Graduate, and B. Ed will be given monthly financial assistance to the tune of Rs 1,000 (Higher Secondary students), Rs 1250 (Under Graduate students) and Rs 2500 (Post Graduate students).
“Considering the potential of the scheme towards bringing about large-scale social changes, the parameter of Nijut Moina 2.0 has been expanded to bring more beneficiaries under it,” Sarma said.
“Though Nijut Moina 1.0 covered state universities and provincial colleges, steps have been made to bring central universities in the state, such as Tezpur University and Assam University, in its ambit. Last year, 1.60 lakh girl students were benefitted by the scheme. However, this year, four lakh girls will be given financial assistance under the scheme,” he said.
RGU student awarded funding grant by CERN, Geneva
Guwahati, Aug 6: Zahid Mamud, an MSc Physics student at The Assam Royal Global University (RGU), has been awarded a prestigious funding grant by CERN—the European Organization for Nuclear Research, one of the world’s leading centres for scientific research. The grant will support his participation in an international training programme in Spain.
Established in 1954, CERN is headquartered in Meyrin, Switzerland, a western suburb of Geneva, located on the France-Switzerland border. It is an intergovernmental organization that operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, according to a Press release.
Zahid has been selected to attend the CAS Course on “Introduction to Accelerator Physics”, scheduled to be held in Santa Susanna, Spain, from 21st September to 4th October 2025. A former INSPRE Fellow, Zahid’s selection reflects his unwavering dedication, academic brilliance, and commitment to advancing in the field of physics.
Expressing his delight over this achievement, RGU Vice Chancellor Prof. AK Buragohain stated, “Zahid’s recognition by CERN is a proud moment for the entire university. It highlights the quality of our academic environment and the global potential of our students.”
This remarkable opportunity places Zahid among a select group of emerging physicists worldwide, contributing to the cutting edge of nuclear research.
Kartavya Bhavan will save Rs 1,500 cr annual rent, work output to rise: PM Modi
New Delhi, Aug 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, calling it a major step towards transforming India’s administrative infrastructure into a 21st-century system that is cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally conscious.
Highlighting a significant point, the Prime Minister said that the government has been spending nearly Rs 1,500 crore every year on office rentals for ministries and departments functioning out of scattered buildings across the national capital.
The new integrated administrative complex, he said, will now save public money, increase employee productivity, and enhance administrative efficiency. “Due to offices being spread across various rented buildings, around 8,000 to 10,000 government employees had to travel daily between ministries.
This not only added to traffic congestion and fuel costs but also caused inefficiencies in work. With Kartavya Bhavan and other new buildings coming up around Kartavya Path, this will now change,” he said.
PM Modi emphasised that the design and vision behind Kartavya Bhavan is both pro-people and pro-planet. The building features solar panels on the rooftop, adhering to India’s commitment to green infrastructure and sustainability.
“The structure reflects our holistic development vision – it’s not just about buildings but about shaping the future of governance in a Viksit Bharat (Developed India),” he added. Calling August a “month of revolution,” the Prime Minister said the Kartavya Bhavan joins the list of key national infrastructure projects developed in the capital in recent years – including the New Parliament House, Bharat Mandapam, National War Memorial, and Yashobhoomi Convention Centre.
“These are not ordinary buildings; they are temples of governance from where key policies for the nation’s future will be shaped. Kartavya Bhavan is a symbol of our constitutional spirit and democratic values,” PM Modi said, invoking the Bhagavad Gita to stress the importance of duty.
He also pointed out that ministries such as the Ministry of Home Affairs were still operating out of century-old buildings with inadequate facilities. “India of the 21st century cannot operate with this setup. That’s why this transformation is essential,” he said.
PM Modi also stated that the last decade has seen a shift towards transparent, citizen-centric governance, with consistent reforms in infrastructure and public service delivery aimed at improving the ease of living and empowering every section of society.
IANS
Trump imposes additional 25 pc tariffs on Indian imports
Washington, Aug 6: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he has signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India, citing the country’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
The White House said the decision is aimed at strengthening measures taken under earlier sanctions against Russia following its actions in Ukraine. The US President had announced a 25 per cent tariff on India last week.
The order states that India is directly or indirectly importing oil from Russia, which the US considers a threat to its national security and foreign policy. “Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent,” the order reads.
The new tariffs will be applied to all eligible Indian goods entering the US from 21 days after the order’s signing, except for shipments already in transit before the deadline and cleared before September 17.
“Subject to section 3 of this order, this rate of duty shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time 21 days after the date of this order, except for goods that (1) were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to entry into the United States before 12.01 a.m.
Eastern Daylight Time 21 days after the date of this order; and (2) are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on September 17,” the order added.
These duties will be in addition to existing tariffs unless the goods fall under certain exemptions, including specific categories outlined in earlier trade executive orders. Goods subject to this order must also follow strict customs rules, including being admitted into US foreign trade zones under “privileged foreign status”.
Trump has retained the authority to modify the order based on changing circumstances, retaliation from affected countries, or significant policy shifts by Russia or India. The order also directs the US Commerce Department, State Department, Treasury, and other agencies to monitor other countries’ oil trade with Russia and recommend similar actions, if necessary.
IANS
Body of missing agriculture officer found at Banseng Wari
Tura, Aug 6: Body of Teseng M. Sangma, a missing agriculture officer, was spotted on Wednesday afternoon from the Ganol River in Garo Hills, four days after he had been swept away by strong currents. The incident occurred during a family outing at Sella Wari, near Tura on Sunday, according to police.
The body of the agriculture officer is still stuck between two rocks. The police are yet to retrieve it fully. Police and SDRF personnel are on the spot. The rising water level has hampered retrieval efforts so far.
Search and rescue teams, comprising personnel from the Fire and Emergency Service, Tura Police, and expert village divers, located Sangma’s body at Banseng Wari, downstream from where he had gone missing. The operation faced challenges due to strong river current and darkness, restricting searches to daytime.
The Ganol River, like others in the Garo Hills, has been in spate following heavy rainfall across the region since last Saturday, complicating rescue efforts. Authorities have expressed their condolences to Sangma’s family as the community mourns the loss of the dedicated officer.
‘Police officer’ caught by KSU collecting ‘entry-fees’ from 5 non-tribal persons
Shillong, Aug 6: Acting on a tip-off from a local resident, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Umiam Circle on Wednesday apprehended a man who claimed to be a police officer and was found in possession of an identity card bearing the name Brill Rongpeit.
The card was issued by the Office of the Commandant, 1st Battalion, Meghalaya Police, Mawlai Mawiong.
The KSU members found that the individual had allegedly collected Rs 1,000 each from five non-tribal passengers travelling in a vehicle with registration number AS 25 CC 4375, supposedly as an “entry fee” into the state.
When questioned and asked to provide supporting documents, the KSU informed that both the self-proclaimed police officer and the five non-tribal individuals fled the scene.
KSU Umiam Circle President, Bashem Kharnaior expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that the sudden disappearance of the individual (‘police officer’) and the five others has only heightened the Union’s suspicions.
The Umiam Circle promptly sought assistance from the KSU Mawlai Circle to help identify and trace those involved.
“This incident raises serious concerns about lapses in border security and the possibility of collusion enabling illegal entry into the state,” Kharnaior said.
He added that the matter is especially alarming as it involves a person claiming to be a police officer allegedly extorting money from non-tribals for crossing into Meghalaya.
The Union has demanded a prompt and transparent clarification from the Meghalaya Police Department regarding the identity and status of the individual named Brill Rongpeit.
They urged the authorities to confirm whether he is a genuine police officer who has grossly abused his position, or an impersonator exploiting police credentials for personal benefit.
The KSU stressed that such incidents erode public trust in the police, especially when no accountability or clear information is provided.
“If such impersonation is possible, it raises serious questions about the security of official IDs and the absence of strict mechanisms to prevent their misuse,” Kharnaior said.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights and identity of Meghalaya’s indigenous people, the KSU reiterated its resolve to resist all forms of illegal entry and activities that threaten the social fabric of the state.
The Union called upon the state government and the police department to launch a thorough investigation and take measures to prevent such incidents from happening again.
KHADC urges govt for its rightful share of fund
Shillong, Aug 6: The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Bah Shemborlang Rynjah, along with the Executive Member in charge of the Council’s finance department, Bah Seiborlang Warbah, on Wednesday approached the State Government seeking the Council’s rightful share of funds.
The CEM also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of District Council Affairs (DCA), Bah Prestone Tynsong, highlighting the financial needs of the Council.
Speaking after the meeting with the Minister, the CEM informed that the KHADC has not yet received any share of funds from the Government. He added that they discussed the Council’s entitlement to funds, especially in light of other Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) having already received theirs.
At the same time, the CEM also revealed that the Council has requested financial support to carry out research and in-depth studies concerning the socio-cultural conditions of the indigenous community.
When asked, the CEM stated that the Deputy Chief Minister did not provide any specific reason for the delay but directed the DCA department to thoroughly examine the reasons for the non-release of funds.
It may be noted that the Executive Committee of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) in the KHADC had recently, on June 24, passed a budget with a deficit of ₹5,24,640 for the financial year 2025–2026. The committee mentioned that while the projected income is substantial, the proposed expenditure still exceeds it.
Over 7 lakh persons rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in 2024-25: Union Minister
New Delhi, Aug 6: More than 7 lakh persons have been rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in the year 2024-25, said Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, in the Parliament on Wednesday.
Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Kumar shared that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has formulated and enacted National Action Plan for Drug Demand for Reduction (2018-2025), which supports rehabilitation and drug-deaddiction centres.
“Over 3 lakh persons were reported and rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in 2022-23. The number spiked to more than 5 lakh in 2023-24 and over 7 lakh in 2024-25,” Kumar said. He also noted an MoU signed between the MoSJE and AIIMS, New Delhi, in March, for conducting the second National Survey on the Extent and Pattern of Substance Use.
“The objective of the survey is national, state-level and district-level estimates of proportion and absolute number of people who use various substances and people who are suffering from substance use disorders; and information on substance use and its consequences in the specific population groups,” the Union Minister said.
The first such survey, published in 2019, focussed on adolescents and adult users of substances like alcohol, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, inhalants, cocaine, ATS, and hallucinogens.
“It showed that a total of 1.48 crore among the age group of 10-17 years are indulging in these substances, while over 22 crore adults aged between 18 and 75 years are using them,” Kumar said. Further, the Minister also detailed on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), launched in 2020 to fight the growing menace of drug addiction in the country.
More than 16.5 cr Indians, including women and youth, have been sensitised against drug abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Kumar informed the Parliament. The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) is the nodal department for drug demand reduction in the country.
From 272 districts identified as most vulnerable, the NMBA is now extended to all districts of the country, the Union Minister said. “Till now, through the various activities undertaken on-ground, 16.5+ crore people have been sensitised on substance use, including 5.5+ crore youth and 3.43+ crore women,” the Minister said.
IANS
India and Russia discuss ways to further intensify defence partnership
Moscow, Aug 6: Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin on Wednesday held a meeting with Vinay Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Russia, as both sides discussed ways to further intensify the multifaceted India-Russia Special Privileged Strategic Partnership.
“During the talks, the sides discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the defence sphere, confirmed the focus on further strengthening the specialised cooperation in the form of a particularly privileged strategic partnership,” read a statement issued by the Russian Defence Ministry.
“The meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere which is traditional for the Russian-Indian relations,” it added. India has a longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence which is guided by India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MMTC) headed by the Defence Ministers of both countries.
As time-tested partners, both countries have been involved in several bilateral projects, including the supply of S-400, licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI, supply of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov), production of Ak-203 rifles in India and BrahMos missiles.
New Delhi and Moscow acknowledge that the military technical cooperation has evolved over time from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defence technology and systems.
As the Indian Armed Forces successfully retaliated and also inflicted significant losses on Pakistan during the decisive Operation Sindoor in May this year, the S-400 air defence system was credited with shooting down several incoming missiles from across the border.
Considering the strategic planning and military preparedness, New Delhi is set to procure more S-400 air defence systems soon. Meanwhile, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is also in Moscow, holding meetings with senior Russian officials to discuss India-Russia defence and security cooperation.
The visit comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has announced that he will announce “very substantial” increases to the 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods because of New Delhi’s oil purchases from Russia. Trump has accused New Delhi of “fuelling the war machine” by buying cheaper Russian oil and selling it for “big profits”.
IANS