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Assam Government to Introduce Key Legislation and New Policies in Upcoming Autumn Session

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Assam Government to Introduce Key Legislation and New Policies in Upcoming Autumn Session

The Assam government is set to introduce significant legislation and policy changes in the upcoming Autumn Session of the Assembly, as announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press conference following a cabinet meeting.

One of the most notable proposals is the introduction of the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorce Bill, 2024. This bill aims to ensure that all Muslim marriages and divorces are registered with the government, marking a departure from the previous system where registrations were managed by Kazis.

Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the bill will also address the issue of underage marriages. Under the new legislation, marriages involving minors will be prohibited, a move intended to combat child marriage. The registration of marriages will be handled by the Sub-Registrar’s Office, and while the bill will restrict the role of Kazis in the registration process, it will not impose limitations on the wedding rituals followed by the Muslim community.

The forthcoming Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorce Bill, 2024 will replace the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules of 1935, which previously allowed underage marriages under certain conditions. The Repealing Bill 2024, also to be presented during the Autumn Session, will formally abolish this outdated legislation.

In addition to these measures, the Chief Minister outlined other cabinet decisions. The government plans to create micro tribal belts in SC and ST villages located outside the existing tribal belts. A ministerial committee has been established to identify suitable areas for this initiative.

Furthermore, the Assam government will amend the Assam Land Revenue & Regulation Act, 1886 to safeguard historic structures and their surrounding areas. The new provision will protect iconic structures that are at least 250 years old, along with a five-kilometre radius around them. This measure will restrict land transactions in these protected areas to individuals who have resided there for three generations.

The initial focus will be on preserving the Satra (Vaishnavite monastery) areas of Batadrava, Barpeta, and Majuli, with the potential to expand the protection to additional areas in the future. Notably, the entire district of Majuli will be covered under this provision.

On the poverty alleviation front, the ‘Orunodoi’ scheme, which provides Rs 1,250 monthly to women’s accounts, will see an expansion. Chief Minister Sarma announced that 10,000 new beneficiaries will be added from each of Assam’s 126 assembly constituencies, increasing the scheme’s reach to more than 42.5 lakh households. This expansion is based on recent surveys indicating that 10-12 lakh people remain outside the scheme’s coverage. Finance Minister Ajanta Neog had previously mentioned in the state budget for 2024-25 that an additional 2.5 lakh beneficiaries would be added to the existing 27 lakh recipients.

These legislative and policy changes reflect the Assam government’s commitment to addressing key social issues and enhancing welfare programs for its residents.

Annual Pilgrimage of Chhari-Mubarak Concludes in Pahalgam

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Annual Pilgrimage of Chhari-Mubarak Concludes in Pahalgam

Jammu, August 21, 2024 – The annual pilgrimage of Chhari-Mubarak, dedicated to Swami Amarnath Ji, concluded today with the final rituals of ‘Pujan’ and ‘Visarjan’ (immersion) held at the banks of the Lidder River in Pahalgam.

The culmination ceremony was attended by a group of Sadhus led by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji, along with security personnel, a number of tourists from across the country, and local residents. Following the Pujan, a communal ‘Karri-Pakouri’ Bhandara was organized, where ‘Dakshina’ was offered to all present.

Addressing the gathering after the ceremony, Mahant Deependra Giri Ji expressed gratitude towards the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Jammu & Kashmir Police, and various other departments including Health, Public Health Engineering (PHE), and Power Development Department (PDD). He acknowledged their crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Yatra, which saw approximately 5.11 lakh pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Swami Amarnath Ji to pay their respects.

Mahant Ji also praised the voluntary organizations for their efforts in providing langar, medical services, and other essential facilities throughout the pilgrimage. He lauded the contributions of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Medical Response Teams (MRT), and the Health Department for their outstanding services.

However, Mahant Ji voiced regret over the suspension of the annual pilgrimage from the Pahalgam route 13 days before ‘Shravan Purnima’ and 10 days prior from the Baltal route. He highlighted that this unexpected closure had caused significant inconvenience and disappointment to thousands of pilgrims. This marked the third consecutive year that the pilgrimage was halted for civilians without prior notice.

Mahant Ji urged the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and the Government to ensure that any future suspensions or closures of the pilgrimage are widely publicized at least a week in advance through national electronic and print media.

The arrangements for transportation, accommodation, and food for the Sadhus, the general public, and security personnel who accompanied the Chhari-Mubarak during the Swami Amarnath Ji Yatra were managed by ‘The True Trust,’ founded by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji in 2004.

After performing the concluding rituals at Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak departed for its abode at Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar this evening.

National Space Day 2024: India Celebrates Historic Milestones in Space Exploration

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National Space Day 2024: India Celebrates Historic Milestones in Space Exploration

In a grand announcement, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled India’s ambitious plans for its space program during a Curtain Raiser media interaction held at the National Media Centre on the eve of the inaugural National Space Day. The event, set to commemorate India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration, will take place at Bharat Mandapam, Plenary Hall, on August 23, 2024.

India’s historic success with Chandrayaan 3, which landed on the Moon’s surface and became the first mission to reach the Southern polar region on August 23, 2023, was a landmark achievement. To honor this milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared August 23 as “National Space Day,” celebrating India’s profound advancements in space exploration.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space, highlighted India’s future space endeavors. He revealed that Chandrayaan 4 and 5 are in the pipeline, building upon the success of Chandrayaan 3. Dr. Singh emphasized that the Gaganyaan Mission, scheduled to send the first Indian astronaut into space in 2025, underscores India’s aspirations to become a global leader in space technology.

In a nod to collaborative efforts, Dr. Singh spoke about the crucial partnership between ISRO and the Indian Navy, particularly for Crew Module recovery. He also acknowledged the significant investment exceeding Rs 1,000 crore that has flowed into the space sector through collaborations with private partners.

The Minister drew attention to the burgeoning role of StartUps in space exploration. He noted that while the sector had only a few StartUps initially, it now boasts around 300, many of which have global potential. Dr. Singh recalled the Finance Minister’s budget speech, which projected a five-fold increase in the space economy over the next decade.

Dr. Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in transforming Sriharikota into a global space hub and announced future projects including the establishment of the Bhartiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and an Indian lunar landing by 2045. He also noted that astronaut Rakesh Sharma has been guiding the Gaganyaan Mission Team and extended his best wishes to astronaut Sunita Williams.

Accompanying Dr. Singh at the Curtain Raiser was Shantanu Bhatwadekar, Scientific Secretary of ISRO. Bhatwadekar highlighted the array of events organized by ISRO across the country. These included exhibitions, space science fairs, and interactive sessions aimed at showcasing India’s space journey. The events featured demonstrations of satellite technology, model rocketry workshops, virtual reality experiences of space missions, and national-level competitions like the ISRO Robotics Challenge and Bhartiya Antriksh Hackathon.

The celebration of National Space Day 2024 is designed to engage not just the scientific community but all Indian citizens. Schools and colleges nationwide have participated in space-themed competitions, debates, and quizzes. Research organizations, ministries, and non-governmental organizations collaborated with ISRO to offer workshops and outreach programs, making space science accessible to the public. Indian citizens have had opportunities to visit space exhibitions, interact with scientists, and witness live launches at ISRO centers.

As India marks this significant day, the nation looks forward to further achievements and milestones in its space exploration journey, celebrating its role as a formidable player on the global space stage.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Visit Chhattisgarh for Key Meetings on Anti-Naxal Operations

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Visit Chhattisgarh for Key Meetings on Anti-Naxal Operations

Raipur, August 21, 2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will embark on a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh starting August 23. During his visit, Shah will oversee critical meetings focused on anti-Naxal operations and regional security.

Shah is scheduled to arrive in Raipur late on August 23 and will return to Delhi on the evening of August 25, according to an official statement from the Press Information Bureau.

The itinerary for Shah’s visit includes:

August 24 Morning: Shah will visit the ashram of Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya in Champaran town, Raipur district.

August 24 Afternoon: He will chair a high-level meeting with Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police (DGPs) from Chhattisgarh and neighboring states. This meeting aims to enhance interstate coordination in addressing security challenges.

August 24 Evening: A session will be held to review security and development efforts in areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) within Chhattisgarh.

August 25 Morning: Shah will inaugurate a new office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Raipur at 10:30 am. Following the inauguration, he will lead a review meeting concerning narcotics control.

August 25 Afternoon: In his capacity as Minister of Cooperation, Shah will chair a meeting focused on expanding the cooperative sector in Chhattisgarh.

The visit comes amid intensified anti-Naxalite operations in Chhattisgarh since the BJP’s victory in last year’s assembly elections. Security forces have reported the killing of 142 Naxalites in various encounters in the state this year.

Shah’s visit underscores the central government’s commitment to tackling extremism and enhancing regional security while also addressing development and cooperation initiatives.

Indian Para Athletes Depart for Paris Paralympics with High Hopes

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Indian Para Athletes Depart for Paris Paralympics with High Hopes

New Delhi, August 21, 2024: The first batch of the Indian contingent, including star javelin thrower Sumit Antil, has departed for the Paris Paralympics, aiming for an unprecedented five gold medals and a total of twelve medals. This advance team of 16 para athletes will spend a few days acclimating to local conditions before moving into the Games Village on August 25, three days before the Opening Ceremony.

Sumit Antil, who is striving to become the first Indian to defend his Paralympic gold, along with other athletes, will train at facilities near Paris to adjust to the local weather. The para athletics events are scheduled from August 30 to September 8 at Stade de France, the venue also used for the Paris Olympics.

“Sumit Antil and several other para athletes will train at the Nelson Mandela Sports Complex for a few days before entering the Games Village,” said Satyanarayana, head coach of the para-athletics team. The Nelson Mandela Sports Complex, located approximately 5 kilometers from Stade de France, offers advanced training facilities for various sports.

Some athletes will also stay at nearby hotels and utilize training facilities available there during the day. Satyanarayana expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, stating, “We are aiming for at least five gold medals and a total of 12 medals. This would be our best performance in Paralympics history.”

This optimism follows a successful showing at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, where India secured sixth place in the medal tally with six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals. Gold medals were won by Antil (men’s javelin F64), Deepthi Jeevanji (women’s 400m T20), Sachin Khilari (men’s shot put F46), Ekta Bhyan (women’s club throw F51), Simran Sharma (women’s 200m T12), and Mariyappan Thangavelu (men’s high jump T42).

India had a record-breaking performance at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics with 19 medals (5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze). The country is sending its largest-ever team of 84 athletes across 12 sports to the Paris Games, including 38 from the para-athletics team.

Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia has forecasted at least 25 medals for the Indian contingent. Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav, who won silver in the women’s shot put F34 at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, will be the joint flag bearers during the Opening Ceremony, which will be held outside a stadium for the first time. The ceremony will take place from Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde in central Paris, mirroring the historic outdoor Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics on the Seine River banks.

11 Additional Judges Elevated to Permanent Positions

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11 Additional Judges Elevated to Permanent Positions

New Delhi, August 21, 2024: The Union Law Ministry announced today that 11 additional judges from two high courts have been elevated to permanent judge positions. This includes nine judges from the Allahabad High Court and two from the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Additional judges are typically appointed for a term of two years, after which they may be confirmed as permanent judges. This process ensures that the judges have the opportunity to demonstrate their competence and suitability for a permanent role.

Bangladesh Interim Government to Establish Foundation for Victims of Student-Led Protests

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Bangladesh Interim Government to Establish Foundation for Victims of Student-Led Protests

Bangladesh’s interim government announced today that it will establish a foundation to support the wounded and the families of those affected by the recent student-led protests that led to the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will head the new foundation.

The protests, which began in mid-July over a controversial quota system for government jobs, resulted in significant casualties. Over 600 people, including 44 police personnel, have lost their lives as a result of the unrest.

According to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s official X account, “The government has decided to set up a Foundation to support the wounded and the families of those who participated in the student-led revolution in July-August 2024.” The foundation will be led by Professor Muhammad Yunus and will include several Advisers from the Interim Government, student representatives, and family members of the deceased and injured. Details regarding the foundation’s operations will be announced soon.

The protests, which culminated in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5, led to her fleeing to India. An interim government was subsequently formed, with 84-year-old Yunus appointed as Chief Adviser.

In the aftermath of the protests, more than a dozen murder cases have been filed against Hasina, accusing her of responsibility for the deaths of students and civilians during the police crackdown earlier this month.

22nd J&K UT Athletics Championship 2024 Kicks Off in Jammu

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22nd J&K UT Athletics Championship 2024 Kicks Off in Jammu

The 22nd Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Athletics Championship 2024 commenced today at the Synthetic Athletics Track of Jammu University. The event is organized by the J&K Amateur Athletics Association, under the auspices of the Athletics Federation of India, and in collaboration with Jammu University and the Department of Youth Services and Sports. The championship is sponsored by the J&K Sports Council.

The opening ceremony featured prominent sports figures, including Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Sharma, President of the J&K Olympic Association and Patron-in-Chief of the J&K Amateur Athletics Association. Prof. Sharma praised the organization of the event and noted the impressive participation of over 1,400 athletes from all 20 districts of the Union Territory. He commended the use of modern technologies, such as the Electronic Photo Finish System and Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) devices, for precise timing and measurement.

Day 1 Results:

Boys Under-20 (5000M Run):
1st: Vishav Singh Bhau (Jammu) – 18:14.45
2nd: Hashim Riyaz (Ganderbal) – 18:33.52
3rd: Vishal Kumar (Jammu) – 18:49.94

Open Men (5000M Run):
1st: Ritik Sharma (Kathua) – 16:25.77
2nd: Gulbadan Himmatyar (Ganderbal) – 16:32.65
3rd: Brij Bhushan (Kathua) – 16:33.68

Open Men (800M Run):
1st: Sourab Choudhary (Jammu) – 2:02.30
2nd: Barkat Ali Wani (Srinagar) – 2:02.64
3rd: Balvinder Singh (Jammu) – 2:02.89

Boys Under-20 (800M Run):
1st: Mukendan Motan (Jammu) – 2:13.15
2nd: Ankush Kumar (Kathua) – 2:13.43
3rd: Anshul Sharma (Udhampur) – 2:13.56

Girls Under-20 (5000M Run):
1st: Anjali Rajput (Reasi) – 3:02.66
2nd: Sapna Devi (Udhampur) – 3:37.24

Boys Under-16 (800M Run):
1st: Aryan (Reasi) – 2:18.11
2nd: Anshman (Jammu) – 2:18.89
3rd: Shah Ali Mir (Jammu) – 2:21.49

Boys Under-14 (600M Run):
1st: Zakir Manzoor (Baramulla) – 1:38.80
2nd: Mohd. Freed (Rajouri) – 1:41.43
3rd: Rahul Manhas (Reasi) – 1:43.94

Girls Under-14 (600M Run):
1st: Abida Shamser (Jammu) – 2:07.15
2nd: Samya Shaheen (Ramban) – 2:07.98
3rd: Radhika Gupta (Kishtwar) – 2:08.01

Boys Under-20 (6KG Shot Put):
1st: Sulakshaya Singh (Jammu) – 11.80M
2nd: Basit Bashir (Baramulla) – 10.03M
3rd: Arun Singh Bandral (Jammu) – 9.82M

Open Men (7.26KG Shot Put):
1st: Manpreet Singh (Jammu) – 12.40M
2nd: Mohd. Saleem (Jammu) – 10.82M
3rd: Abhishek Padha (Jammu) – 10.20M

Girls Under-14 (2KG Shot Put):
1st: Urvashi Saini (Samba) – 5.81M
2nd: Aradhya Rajput (Jammu) – 4.50M
3rd: Radhika Gupta (Kishtwar) – 4.28M

Girls Under-20 (400M Run):
1st: Sakshi Thakur (Reasi) – 1:08.57

Girls Under-18 (400M Run):
1st: Anshika Sharma (Udhampur) – 1:18.76

Girls Under-18 (3KG Shot Put):
1st: Himani Manhas (Doda) – 7.70M

Girls Under-16 (300M Run):
1st: Muktika Sambyal (Jammu) – 51.19

Open Women (4KG Shot Put):
1st: Samreen Kour (Jammu) – 10.50M

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Reviews Security Arrangements for Upcoming Assembly Elections

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Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Reviews Security Arrangements for Upcoming Assembly Elections

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a high-level meeting today to assess the security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting, held in Srinagar, included top officials from the Civil Administration and Police Department.

Attendees included the Director General of Police (DG Police), Principal Secretary Home, Special DG Crime, Additional Directors General of Police (ADGPs), Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Secretary of Transport, Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) for Jammu and Kashmir, Transport Commissioner, Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), District Commissioners (Deputy Commissioners), and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs). Outstation officers participated via video conference.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the need for robust arrangements to accommodate additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in each district. He directed officials to identify suitable locations for deploying these forces, ensuring they have access to essential amenities such as water, power, and sanitation facilities.

Dulloo also highlighted the importance of securing and accommodating contesting candidates. He instructed the administration to provide adequate protection and support for candidates, including necessary arrangements for their campaigning activities.

The Chief Secretary stressed the need for the Transport Department to develop a comprehensive plan, in coordination with district officials, for the deployment of buses, light motor vehicles (LMVs), and heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) to transport polling staff, security personnel, and election materials.

He directed Divisional Commissioners to personally oversee these preparations, ensure necessary repairs are completed before polling days, and submit daily progress reports. Additionally, Dulloo called for close coordination among all involved departments to ensure the democratic process is conducted smoothly and with maximum public participation.

Rajnath Singh to Embark on Strategic Visit to US to Enhance Defence Collaboration

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Rajnath Singh to Embark on Strategic Visit to US to Enhance Defence Collaboration

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will begin a four-day visit to the United States on Friday, August 23, to strengthen the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the US. Singh’s visit, which concludes on August 26, will include meetings with key US officials, including Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

The discussions are expected to focus on significant defence collaborations, including India’s plan to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, the proposed joint manufacturing of Stryker infantry combat vehicles, and the co-production of GE F414 engines in India.

The visit is a strategic move to deepen and expand the India-US defence relationship, reflecting the growing momentum in bilateral relations and engagements. Singh will also chair a high-level roundtable with the US defence industry to discuss ongoing and future defence collaborations and interact with the Indian community during his stay.

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