The Prime Minister mentioned that these three supercomputers, “PARAM Rudra,” have been installed in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata. Through these supercomputers, research in fields such as physical sciences, geosciences, and cosmology will be accelerated, further strengthening India’s scientific and technological innovations in the future. Additionally, two high-performance computing systems, named ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunik,’ were also inaugurated, which will aid in climate and weather research.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at the event, said, “Today’s inauguration is a significant step, as it introduces supercomputers that are both designed and manufactured in India. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world faces today. In such circumstances, these supercomputers will not only accelerate research but also help farmers, rural areas, and urban communities in developing models to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.” Prime Minister Modi highlighted that in the digital era, computing power has become synonymous with a nation’s progress. There is no field today that is not dependent on technological and computing capacity. These supercomputers will play a crucial role in ensuring India’s success in Industry 4.0.

Referring to the ₹1 lakh crore research fund announced in this year’s budget, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India’s aim is to empower the world through its innovation and research. Today’s India is not only making new decisions but is also formulating new policies in the field of science and technology. The Prime Minister underscored that the PARAM Rudra supercomputers and other HPC systems would strengthen India’s self-reliance in the fields of science, research, and technology. These systems will not only assist in climate research and agricultural sciences but will also bring significant innovation in fields like cosmology. Thus, India has taken a critical step towards self-reliance in the computing and technological sector, setting a new example for the world in the times to come.

The Modi government has been working on ‘One Nation, One Election’ for a long time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed this issue on several occasions during his previous term. Recently, on the completion of 100 days of the NDA government, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the commitment to this resolution. Shah made it clear that the government is fully committed to this issue and is preparing to bring it to Parliament.

Prime Minister Modi also mentioned ‘One Nation, One Election’ in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort on August 15. He stated that frequent elections are hindering the country’s progress. Due to the repeated electoral processes, there are delays in administrative work and development projects, which could be mitigated by conducting elections simultaneously.

For ‘One Nation, One Election,’ the committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu on March 14 of this year. The report is quite extensive, comprising a total of 18,626 pages. This report delves deeply into the possibilities, challenges, and benefits of conducting simultaneous elections across the country.

‘One Nation, One Election’ means conducting Lok Sabha and all state Assembly elections simultaneously across the country. Currently, Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are held at different times, leading to frequent electoral processes which consume time and resources. The aim of this proposal is to conduct all elections together, thereby saving the country’s resources and time and avoiding interruptions in development work.

Now that the Modi Cabinet has approved the proposal, the NDA government will present it as a bill in the winter session of Parliament. It will be interesting to see the discussions on this in Parliament and how quickly it can be turned into law.

After the bill’s passage, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern over the crimes against women across the country while speaking in the assembly. She cited the 2020 rape of a 20-year-old Dalit woman in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, and the 2013 brutal rape and murder of a college student in the North 24 Parganas district of Bengal. She also highlighted a recent incident in Jaipur, where a child was raped in a government hospital. Banerjee accused states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat of having abnormally high crime rates against women, where justice is often denied to the victims. She emphasized that women in West Bengal will receive justice, and this bill will ensure that perpetrators receive strict punishment.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari supported the bill, stating that the law should be implemented immediately. He mentioned that it is the responsibility of the state government to enforce the bill and deliver results. He also demanded that the bill be implemented without any delay.

Key Provisions of the Anti-Rape Bill

This bill provides for stringent punishments for those convicted of rape and murder. The key points include:

1. Death Penalty: Provision for the death penalty for those convicted of rape and murder.

2. Charge Sheet and Punishment: The provision of the death penalty within 36 days of filing the charge sheet.

3. Speedy Investigation: Investigations must be completed within 21 days under this bill.

4. Punishment for Aiding Criminals: Provision of a 5-year imprisonment for those who aid the criminals.

5. Special Task Force: A special “Aparajita Task Force” will be formed in each district to take immediate action on cases of rape, acid attacks, and molestation.

6. Punishment for Acid Attack: Provision of life imprisonment for those convicted of acid attacks.

7. Punishment for Revealing Victim’s Identity: Provision of 3 to 5 years of imprisonment for revealing the identity of the victim.

8. Speedy Trials: The bill includes a provision to amend the BNSS laws, ensuring that all sexual offenses and acid attack cases are heard within 30 days.

For this bill to become law, it now requires the approval of the Governor and the President. Passing this bill in the assembly was relatively easy because the Trinamool Congress has the support of 223 legislators in the 294-member assembly. However, obtaining the approval of the Governor and the President might be challenging. The 2019 Andhra Pradesh Disha Bill and the 2020 Maharashtra Shakti Bill, which also provided for the death penalty in all rape cases, have yet to receive presidential approval. This bill amends parts of the BNSS and the 2012 POCSO Act to include the death penalty for sexual assault cases, regardless of the victim’s age. Amidst public outrage and demands for justice following the trainee doctor’s incident in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee decided to introduce this anti-rape bill. The bill’s becoming law will now depend on whether it receives the necessary approvals from the Governor and the President.

So far, CCTV footage shows that the arrested accused, Sanjay Rai, visited the hospital around 11:00 PM on Thursday. Rai stayed at the hospital for approximately 30 minutes, and his activities were clearly recorded. He returned to the hospital between 3:45 and 3:50 AM, entered the seminar hall, stayed there for about 35 minutes, and then left.

According to sources, the victim and her friends ordered food around midnight through an online app. Kolkata police have also recorded statements from the delivery boy. The postmortem report indicates that the victim died approximately four hours after eating the food. The CBI has also recorded statements from the four doctors who ordered and ate the food with the victim that night. The CBI team is also recording statements from all individuals directly connected to the victim who met her before the incident. Meanwhile, the CBI is analyzing the details of Sanjay Rai’s mobile phone and its location data. This information might help understand the events that occurred that night.

The investigation has also revealed that CCTV footage clearly shows Sanjay Rai’s activities within the hospital. The CBI is considering this crucial evidence as it continues its investigation and searches for other potential clues. The thorough investigation by the CBI is expected to help resolve the complexities of the case and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice.

By Neelam Singh

After the incident, Riazuddin’s wife claimed that her husband was a victim of mistaken identity. The police have started a thorough investigation into the case and are trying to identify the suspect by examining CCTV footage. Additional DCP Vishnu Sharma of Shahdara said that their team reached the spot and confirmed that the deceased was Riazuddin. They are trying to determine if there was any enmity or motive behind the attack. This shooting incident has also created a sense of fear and insecurity among the resident doctors at the hospital. The Resident Doctors’ Association of the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital expressed deep sorrow over the incident. They announced a strike from July 15, stating that it would continue until security measures are enhanced. During this time, only emergency services will remain operational.

This murder in the hospital’s surgery ward has raised serious questions about healthcare security. Following the incident, police officials have taken steps to increase security and instructed the hospital administration to tighten security measures. The police reported that based on the evidence collected from the scene, the investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to identify and arrest the suspect soon. Riazuddin’s murder has shaken not only the hospital staff and doctors but also the patients and their relatives. This incident has highlighted the lack of security in the hospital and forced the administration to reassess and strengthen their security arrangements. The strike by the resident doctors and their demands have posed a new challenge to the hospital administration and the government. This incident has raised serious questions about Delhi’s healthcare system and security measures. The administration needs to understand the gravity of this case and take swift and effective steps to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring that patients seeking treatment and doctors working in the hospital feel safe.

By Neelam singh.

This horrific incident that has shaken the entire nation occurred when devotees rushed to take blessings and touch the feet of Narayan Sakar Vishw Hari (Bhole Baba) after his satsang. The overwhelming majority of the deceased are women. This tragedy is the second largest in the state since the stampede at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh in 1954. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to determine the cause of the stampede that led to the deaths of 121 devotees returning from the satsang in Sikandararao’s Fulari. The investigation aims to uncover whether this was an accident or a deliberate conspiracy. The probe will involve a retired judge from the High Court and other senior officials. Eyewitness accounts from survivors of the incident have also been collected for the investigation.

The Chief Minister emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ensure justice for the victims and their families. He also announced immediate relief measures for the affected families and promised strict action against anyone found responsible for the tragedy. The incident has prompted a state-wide review of safety measures at large gatherings to prevent such occurrences in the future. This tragic event underscores the need for better crowd management and safety protocols during large gatherings, particularly religious events that draw massive crowds. The state government is now focusing on implementing stricter regulations and ensuring that adequate safety measures are in place to protect the lives of devotees and attendees at such events.

The aftermath of the Hathras incident has left families grieving and communities in shock. As the investigation proceeds, there is a growing demand for accountability and preventive measures to avoid such disasters in the future. The government’s response and the results of the investigation will be crucial in restoring public confidence and ensuring that the safety of people is prioritized during large public gatherings. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of crowd control and the need for authorities to be vigilant in managing large events. The lessons learned from this incident will hopefully lead to improved safety standards and prevent future tragedies, ensuring that such a devastating loss of life does not occur again.

By Neelam Singh.

One of the key initiatives is the Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Ltd (HURL) Sindri Fertiliser Plant, developed at a cost of over ₹8,900 crore. This plant will significantly contribute to the country’s urea production, benefiting farmers across the nation. It is the third fertilizer plant to be revived under the leadership of PM Modi, following the successful revival of plants in Gorakhpur and Ramagundam.

In addition to the fertilizer plant, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several rail projects worth more than ₹17,600 crore. These projects, including the expansion of rail services and the construction of new rail lines, will improve connectivity and promote socio-economic development in Jharkhand.

The Prime Minister also flagged off three trains during the program, further enhancing transportation infrastructure in the state. These include the Deoghar-Dibrugarh train service, the MEMU train service between Tatanagar and Badampahar, and a long-haul freight train from Shivpur station.

Furthermore, PM Modi dedicated important power projects in Jharkhand, including Unit 1 (660 MW) of the North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) in Chatra. This project, developed at a cost of over ₹7,500 crore, will improve power supply in the region and contribute to employment generation and socio-economic development.

The Prime Minister also dedicated projects related to the coal sector in Jharkhand, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy sources.

PM Modi’s visit to Jharkhand is part of a larger two-day tour that also includes visits to West Bengal and Bihar. During his visit, he will participate in a public program in Arambagh, Hooghly, where he will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than ₹7,200 crore.

PM Modi’s initiatives in Jharkhand underscore the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive development and improving the quality of life for citizens across the country.

BY – KASHISH JAIN

The list of accused in Nafe Singh Rathi’s murder includes Jagdish Rathi’s son Gaurav, brother Satish, BJP leader Narendra Kaushik, and three relatives of the municipal corporation chairperson Saroj Rathi. The charges range from murder and criminal conspiracy to violations under the Arms Act.

Rathi’s son, Jitendra, claims that the family had received information about being targeted, and they had sought security cover, alleging that the state government, including Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, ignored their pleas. According to Jitendra, Rathi had submitted written applications to various authorities seeking security but was allegedly denied the protection he requested.

Jitendra further alleges the involvement of local BJP leaders in the murder plot, pointing to the use of advanced weapons as an indication of substantial funds backing the assailants. The INLD leader, who was the chief of INLD in Haryana, was attacked while returning home in Bahadurgarh. The assailants, in a car, ambushed Rathi’s SUV near a railway crossing, resulting in his death and the serious injury of two others.

The government, led by Chief Minister Khattar, is facing criticism for not providing adequate security despite Rathi’s repeated requests. Khattar has assured swift action against the accused, emphasizing that no culprit in the case will be spared. As investigations unfold, the political landscape surrounding the murder continues to intensify, raising questions about the alleged conspiracy behind the chilling assassination of the INLD leader.

The announcement, made by the government on Saturday, follows the parliamentary approval and the assent granted by President Droupadi Murmu last December. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while introducing these legislations, highlighted their emphasis on “Indianness, the Indian Constitution, and the well-being of the people.”

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, takes precedence by replacing the Indian Penal Code of 1860. Key highlights include the removal of sedition as a crime, introducing a new section titled “offences against the state,” and prescribing death penalty for gang rape of minors and mob lynching. Notably, community services have been incorporated as a form of punishment for the first time.

In place of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, is set to usher in reforms ensuring time-bound investigation, trial, and judgment within 30 days of completing arguments. This law also mandates video recording of the statements of sexual assault victims and introduces a provision for the attachment of property and proceeds of crime.

The Bharatiya Sakshya, 2023, replaces the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 and marks a significant shift toward digitization. Electronic or digital records, including emails, server logs, computers, smartphones, and locational evidence, will now be admissible in courts with the same legal effect, validity, and enforceability as paper records. This law also emphasizes the digitization of all records, including case diaries, FIRs, chargesheets, and judgments.

The comprehensive reforms are expected to position India’s criminal justice system as the most advanced globally within five years of implementing these transformative laws. The meticulous drafting, wide consultations, and the removal of archaic provisions demonstrate the government’s commitment to modernizing and streamlining the legal framework, fostering a system that aligns with contemporary societal needs.

The TMC has accused the BJP of “protecting pimps” and not women, alleging that the Bengal Police busted a prostitution racket operating in Ghosh’s hotel in Howrah. This development comes as several women in Sandeshkhali have accused TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides of sexual exploitation and land grabbing.

A BJP delegation, including prominent leaders like MP Locket Chatterjee and Agnimitra Paul, was forcefully stopped by the West Bengal Police from proceeding towards the troubled region of Sandeshkhali today. Ms. Chatterjee and others have been taken to the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar.

Sandeshkhali, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has recently become a focal point of protests and violence, with local residents accusing Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, particularly Shajahan Sheikh, of committing atrocities, land grabbing, and sexual assault.

A delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Locket Chatterjee and Agnimitra Paul, both serving as general secretaries of the BJP’s state unit, was on their way to meet the women of Sandeshkhali and listen to their grievances. The visit was organized against the backdrop of ongoing protests and allegations of human rights violations. The National Human Rights Commission previously issued a notice to the West Bengal state government and the police chief while expressing concern over the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the area.

The unrest in Sandeshkhali reached a boiling point recently, with angry locals setting fire to properties belonging to TMC leaders accused of mistreating villagers. West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar responded by promising decisive action against the perpetrators. Women in Sandeshkhali have accused Sheikh Shahjahan of being involved in land-grabbing activities and committing sexual assault, allegedly through coercive means. Shahjahan has been evading law enforcement since a mob, allegedly associated with him, attacked officials from the Enforcement Directorate during a search operation related to a ration scam on January 5.

The situation in Sandeshkhali remains tense, with allegations of human rights violations and political tensions running high. NHRC and BJP delegation’s attempts to investigate the situation have been met with resistance from the West Bengal Police, highlighting the challenges in addressing the unrest in the region. The arrest of Sabyasachi Ghosh underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation to address the concerns raised by the women in Sandeshkhali.

BY – KASHISH JAIN