In a public declaration yesterday, Rahul Gandhi, popular senior Congress Party representative, stood up on behalf of the nation’s tribal communities, confronting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for their alleged acts of sidelining these groups, a critical component of Indian society. His critique centred on the language used, specifically the term, “Vanvasi.”

Gandhi’s reproach came during his inaugural visit to his parliamentary constituency in Wayanad, located in the verdant expanse of Kerala. This journey marked his first return to his political base after his Lok Sabha membership was recently reinstated. He had engaged in a discussion with the tribal community in Rajasthan during which he noted the dynamic tension built on differential terminology: the traditional “Adivasi” versus the infrequently used “Vanvasi”.

Gandhi, a former Congress president, starkly underscored the harmful implications carried in the Vanvasi descriptor. He argued that the term devalues tribal groups, undermining their claim to ownership as the indigenous inhabitants of India and instead, confines them exclusively to forested areas. This proposition, he believed, was grossly unjust, an insult to their heritage and a potent attack on their societal relationship with India. To demonstrate his Party’s contrast with BJP-RSS, Gandhi underscored the Congress’ recognition of tribal communities as Adivasi, the original landowners of India.

Gandhi also emphasised the distinctive wisdom and environmental consciousness inherent to the Adivasi, attributing to them a rich understanding of Earth. In his view, the term ‘Adivasi’ encapsulates respect and a recognition of the historical landownership by tribal societies.

He suggested that belonging to the original class of landowners should lead to increased rights and opportunities, particularly in education, business and access to forest produce. Directions for a future that respects tribal communities should not impose exclusive categorisation or limitation, according to Gandhi.

Arguing that present-day concerns of environmental protection echo ancient Adivasi principles, Gandhi highlighted the urgent need to learn from this native wisdom. The Congressman finished his address with a commitment on behalf of his Party to assisting tribal children in gaining access to quality healthcare, education and job opportunities.

The occasion for Gandhi’s statements was his inauguration of a high-tension electricity line at the Dr Ambedkar Memorial District Cancer Centre, part of the Government Tribal Hospital in Nalloornadu. This infrastructure upgrade, funded by a US$50k donation from Gandhi’s MPLAD fund, intends to alleviate the frequent power interruptions that patients and medical staff had grappled with.

Returning to Wayanad, Gandhi felt profound joy. He expressed appreciation for the support he had received from his constituency during a challenging period when he was disqualified as an MP. He defined his connection to the region and its people as familial, transcending political divisions.

Gandhi arrived in Wayanad on the previous evening and was warmly welcomed by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) high command at a public convention in Kalpetta. His visit culminated in the distribution of nine house keys, an initiative under the “Kaithangu” scheme, to recipients.

The post Rahul Gandhi calls out BJP-RSS for undercutting India’s tribal communities appeared first on Thaiger IN.

A torrent of rain is forecasted to sweep across Himachal Pradesh, according to predictions by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), released yesterday. The weather advisories encapsulate that over the span of the next day, a sizeable tremble of thirteen districts will be besieged by moderate rainfall. Moreover, one or two locations across the state are said to be preparing for rainfall, described as heavy to severe in nature.

As per the update circulated by IMD Shimla dated April 4 at 3pm, an expectancy of moderate rain rounds the corner for the regions of Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Una, Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti. Additionally, one or two places, as the forecast describes, are also bracing for heavy to extremely heavy rain within the same period.

In tandem, a parallel scenario is foretold in Uttarakhand, as the IMD releases an ominous red alert for today. Six districts in the state brace for the imminent likelihood of heavy rainfall coupled with lightning. “Isolated places across Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar are projected to be in the hot spot of a very heavy to extremely heavy spell of rain and thunderstorm,” delivers the warning. Accompanying these downpour risks is also the chance of very intense to extremely forceful spells, likely to flare up in the coming twenty-four hours.

The meteorological warnings and forecasts issued by the IMD are crucial for prompt and effective response to the torrential weather changes. This precedence of rain is a crucial event for the areas in question and continues to unfold as the weather authorities remain on high alert, providing regular reports and recommendations for mitigating the potential impact. Emergency services and local authorities are also being advised to prepare accordingly and make necessary arrangements for this prodigious bout of rain. The story continues to shape up, providing fresh insights and developments as they happen.

The post Imminent heavy rainfall to besiege Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, warns IMD appeared first on Thaiger IN.

In an unfortunate turn of events, nine staff members from the Quality Control Wing of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) were admitted to Victoria Hospital following significant burn injuries caused by a fire outbreak earlier this week at the Quality Control Lab located at Hudson Circle, Bengaluru. Among the injured, three individuals remained in a critical condition, as per hospital reports from Sunday.

Kiran, 35 years old, an Executive Engineer, suffered substantial burns and had to undergo dialysis as per the Nephrologist’s advice. Chief Engineer Shivakumar, aged 40, and Junior Engineer Jyothi, aged 26, sustained 25% and 28% burn injuries, respectively, according to Ramesh Krishna K, Director cum Dean at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI). He added, “Kiran’s creatinine levels remain elevated, further dialysis is necessary. Shivakumar struggles with respiratory problems due to inhalation injuries.”

In light of the recent outbreak, BBMP has initiated an internal technical enquiry (ITE) to meticulously scrutinise potential errors in bitumen quality testing that might have caused the accident. BBMP Chief Commissioner, Tushar Girinath, expressed his intentions to ensure a meticulous investigation, aiming to present the findings to the chief minister and the deputy chief minister. He confirmed that the fire safety measures have been updated since the incident.

BBMP also vowed to cover the medical expenses of the injured victims. Girinath added, “”Although nine individuals were hurt, everyone’s life has been under no threat.”

An FIR has been filed over the incident at Halasuru Gate police station. Chief Engineer K Prahlad, cited in the complaint, referred to sections 337 and 338 of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to acts that endanger life and personal safety due to negligence. As the police worked towards establishing the fire’s cause, they detained three individuals, who were later released on a station bail on Sunday.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured that no crucial documents were damaged in the fire, dispelling fears of any potential loss of critical files. Simultaneously, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao was optimistic about the recovery of all victims. He stated, “Even the ones initially critical have stabilised. Our experts are assessing the situation, which will aid us in defining responsibility, determining potential safety lapses by BBMP, or other facts contributing to the fire. Whether this event was accidental or due to negligence will be thoroughly investigated. The government will take appropriate actions based on these findings.”

The post Burn accident at Bengaluru BBMP lab triggers internal investigation appeared first on Thaiger IN.

In an event of the law coming full circle, the Patiala House Court announced a judgment condemning a female offender to judicial custody for theft. The woman, whom the court refused bail, was charged with stealing laptops and iPads from the Delhi High Court complex. The court presided over by Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Parad Dalal rendered this decision on Sunday, underlining the severity of the crime and its impact.

Recognising the graveness of the act, Dalal said, “Given the seriousness of the allegations, it seems apt to commit the accused to judicial custody. The intuition of the Investigation officer stands affirmed that, if granted bail, the accused might likely flee, intimidate witnesses or reengage in similar offences utilising the same strategy.”

Questionable certainty was voiced from the culprits end denying the crime. However, the court did not find her appeals credible, where she professed that the woman portrayed in the incriminating footage was a different individual altogether.

The theft incident transpired on July 10 within the High Court. A law intern reported the loss of a bag comprising a laptop and an iPad from the primary building’s first floor. Surveillance footage distinctly captured the accused lifting the victim’s bag and later hailing an autorickshaw at Gate No. 7 of the High Court. Lawyers representing the complainant presented these facts before the court.

The legal representatives of the victim — Advocates Prabhav Ralli and Stuti Gupta — made the case that the female offender was a recurrent lawbreaker, implicated in multiple thefts in the Delhi High Court. They postulated that such incidents had instilled fear among the judiciary, particularly lawyers who routinely carry bags and laptops with them.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police presented a strong case against the accused in its argument against granting her bail. The police insinuated that she had been uncooperative during the entire investigation. Despite recognising her from the CCTV footage and serving her a notice to support the inquiry, she not only failed to comply but also resisted the officials when they reached her residence. The Investigation Officer took note of her unyielding resistance, citing that she had declined to disclose her details or furnish any personal identity proof.

The incident uses a powerful picture of Justice active within its own domain—an individual allegedly exploiting the very sanctuary of justice to subvert the law, only to be reined in by the same institution. The High Court incident underscores the necessity to fortify the premises’ security, ensuring that members can carry out their duties without fear or hindrance.

The post Female thief denied bail, condemned to custody for high court thefts appeared first on Thaiger IN.

In the national spotlight, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday vigorously claimed that the Central government has led the country’s health system into decline. The crux of his critique was focused on the staff shortage in facilities of the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). This elicited a swift and robust response from Union Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya.

लूट और जुमलों ने देश को किया अस्वस्थ,

मोदी जी के हर शब्द में केवल झूठ ही कंठस्थ !

🫵दावा किया कि बनायें हैं AIIMS कई सारे,

👎सच्चाई है कि डॉक्टर-स्टाफ़ की भारी कमी से जूझे AIIMS हमारे !

मोदी जी,

कोरोना महामारी में उदासीनता से लेकर, आयुष्मान भारत में घपलेबाजी तक …

आपकी… pic.twitter.com/TsMxREIwW2

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 13, 2023

Kharge chose the widely-used X social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, as his platform of choice to levy his criticisms. Utilising a media report as ammunition, he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the alleged lack of staffing in the country’s 19 AIIMS. His assertions pointed towards a bleak and unsatisfactory condition of the country’s premier medical institutions.

In his post, written eloquently in Hindi, Kharge criticised the Central government’s promises and actions, stating, “Loot and jumlas have made the country unhealthy. Only lies are embedded in every word of Modi ji! They claimed that it has set up many AIIMS. The truth is that our AIIMS are facing a severe shortage of doctors and other staff.” This statement explicitly articulated a perception of deceit by the ruling government.

Further escalating his critique, Kharge addressed Modi, stating, “From apathy during the coronavirus pandemic to scams in Ayushman Bharat… your government has made the country’s health system sick.” This bold assertion of disapproval underscored his belief that the government’s shortfalls have reached a critical point.

Concluding his series of messages on X, Kharge claimed that the nation has woken up to the government’s machinations and deceit, implying that the time has come for their exit.

In a response series on X, Union Health Minister Mandaviya countered Kharge with facts. He compared the Congress’ tenure, during which only one AIIMS was established, to the current Modi government’s effort attending to the opening of 15 new AIIMS institutes.

Mandaviya’s response provided a differing viewpoint on the current state of health care in India under the current government. His response aimed to underscore the proactive measures taken by the Central government in bolstering the country’s health care system. The ongoing dialogue between Kharge and Mandaviya thus highlights differing perspectives on the country’s health care status while adding another episode in the continuing political drama.

The post Congress President Kharge criticises central government over AIIMS staff shortage appeared first on Thaiger IN.

Explosive cricket action unfolded on Sunday as India’s T20 International squad faced West Indies at Florida’s Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground. Ahead of the match, sports enthusiasts dared to predict an impressive series comeback for the Indian team. However, their hopes were dashed rather speedily as their Caribbean opponents seized an arresting eight-wicket victory. This triumph marks a historic first for the West Indies team, who managed to secure their inaugural bilateral contest win against the Men in Blue.

India needs to improve their skillset. Their is a hunger & intensity deficiency & often the captain looked clueless. Bowler’s can’t bat, batsmen can’t bowl.
It’s important to not look for yes men and be blinded because someone is your favourite player but look at the larger good

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) August 13, 2023

Former cricketer for team India, Venkatesh Prasad, didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment. He challenged the performance of captain Hardik Pandya alongside head coach Rahul Dravid, taking issue with their strategical decisions which ultimately led to what Prasad deemed an “ordinary” performance.

The final match of the series had India bat first, with cricketer Suryakumar Yadav standing as a solitary figure against an aggressive West Indies lineup. His tenacious effort to score 61 out of 45 saw India muster a mildly respectable total of 165 for nine. The chase was almost brought to an untimely close by the potent partnership between Brandon King and Nicholas Pooran, who contributed to an impressive 107-run stance. It was ultimately left up to Shai Hope to ensure an emphatic close to the chase. The West Indies successfully earned the required 166 runs with two overs to spare.

Upon the series conclusion, Prasad reiterated his previous criticisms of India’s performance, drawing comparisons to last year’s loss against Bangladesh and their mediocre showing in the ODI series, “India has been a very, very ordinary limited overs side for some time now. They have been humbled by a West Indies side that failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup a few months back. We also lost to Bangladesh in the ODI series. Hope they introspect instead of making silly statements,” he expressed on Twitter.

Prasad, once a respected coach for the Indian bowling unit, declared the current team management’s handling of the situation to be sorely lacking. In his gaze, the Indian white-ball cricket team seemed bereft of the “fire and hunger” once characteristic of their play, which is now needed as they look towards the Asia Cup and the World Cup in the ODI format, “It pains to see India perform poorly and brush it under the carpet, under the guise of process. That hunger, fire is missing, and we live in an illusion,” he added.

In light of captain Hardik and head coach Dravid’s decisions, Prasad minced no words in his criticism, “They are responsible for the debacle and need to be accountable. Their lack of consistency in selection shows a random occurrence happening too often. India needs to improve their skillset. They’re lacking in hunger & intensity. Bowlers can’t bat, and batsmen can’t bowl. Looking for yes men and playing favourites won’t serve the greater good,” he claimed.

Looking ahead, a three-match T20I series against Ireland awaits a Jasprit Bumrah-led Team India, sans stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik. Following Ireland, a campus at the National Cricket Academy will host the squad’s preparation for the Asia Cup later on in the month. Despite recent setbacks, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly anticipating an exciting series of matches filled with drama, stratagem and skills.

The post West Indies snatch historic first bilateral T20 series win against India appeared first on Thaiger IN.

In a tragic turn of events, Bengaluru police have apprehended a 27-year-old security guard from Odisha, identified as Krishna Chandra Sethi, in relation to the murder of a 21-year-old woman. Sethi was stationed at a technological park located in CV Raman Nagar, and the ill-fated woman lived in Kalaburagi with her sister and mother, residing in Mahadevapura.

The police report indicated the sequence of events began yesterday when the woman was reportedly absent from her home from 8pm onward. After preparing dinner, she had exited her residence and failed to return. This led her anxious sister to report her absence to the Mahadevapura police station.

In a shocking twist, the police discovered the woman’s body at 5am today in front of her home, concealed within a drum. An officer familiar with the unfolding tragedy briefed that Sethi had coerced her into his house when she had stepped out the previous night. His alleged attempt to sexually assault her had led to her outcry for aid, which ultimately resulted in him strangling her life away.

The police narration sheds light on Sethi’s actions following the murder. The killer is said to have kept the wrapped body within his home initially. However, he transported the corpse to its unthinkable final resting place in the early hours of today, outside her residence. The police noted that the victim, along with her sister, had been working at a petrol bunk in the vicinity, underscores the close residential proximity of the victim and the perpetrator.

S Girish, the deputy commissioner of Police (Whitefield), initially voiced their suspicions of unnatural death as the body bore no discernible injury marks. However, a preliminary investigation quickly revealed suffocation as the tragic cause of death.

A detailed investigation led the police to identify that the victim had not ventured beyond the immediate neighbourhood. As a result, further questioning of neighbours cast light on Sethi as a potential suspect, eventually confessing to the heinous crime. The Mahadevapura police station has now registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sethi under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which regards the punishment for committing murder. The tragic incident serves as a chilling reminder of the cloak of security we share with potential dangers.

The post Bengaluru police arrest security guard in tragic neighbourhood murder appeared first on Thaiger IN.

In light of the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, around 1,800 individuals from various professions across the country have been extended an invitation as Special Guests, declared an official missive.

The national revelry marking the 77th Independence Day is set to be steered by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, from the historic Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 2023. This move has been envisaged in line with the government’s philosophy of ‘Jan Bhagidari’, which translates to ‘people’s participation’.

The official document underlined that 75 pairs hailing from each state and union territory and dressed in their regional attires have also been asked to attend the ceremony at the Red Fort.

The statement emphasised the variety and representations of the Special Guests. They will include more than 400 village heads or Sarpanches, hailing from over 660 dynamic villages, and 250 members of the Farmer Producer Organisations scheme. Also selected for this occasion are 50 beneficiaries each from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. These schemes reflect the government’s focus on agriculture and skill development respectively.

Through this initiative, the government intends to broaden national participation in the celebration of the day that signified an end to foreign rule and marked the birth of an independent India. These guests have been chosen from a wide cross-section of society to ensure inclusivity and to honour the diverse cultures and vocational groups across India. This invitation for representatives of the common people suggests a vision wherein Independence Day is a shared day of pride celebrated by all citizens, not just the elite.

The post Over 1800 special guests invited to the 77th Indian Independence Day celebrations appeared first on Thaiger IN.

In the realm of petrol and diesel rates, India stands as a landscape where the figures have remained unaltered for close to 12 months. The most recent amendment to these rates was seen in May 2022. The variances in prices between states can be attributed to localised taxes, value-added tax (VAT), transportation costs, and other influencing factors.

The Goodreturns website, which in line with oil marketing companies releases price updates daily at 6am, has reported no observable modification in the prices of petrol and diesel across key cities; these include New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Petrol and diesel pricing in India falls under the jurisdiction of the central government and is influenced by factors such as base prices, capped prices and the crucial excise duty. The collection of this duty is overseen directly by the central government, while each state is responsible for the administration of the Value Added Tax (VAT). Owing to the unique VAT rates applied by every state, the pricing of fuel may differ correspondingly.

The post Petrol and diesel prices stand unaltered for 12 months in India appeared first on Thaiger IN.

The data protection framework in India received harbingers of its implementation process as the government gave its consent this week after a long-standing anticipation. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union minister for electronics and technology, provided insight on the critical developments needed to see it in action, primarily the rules formulation and the establishment of the Data Protection Board. These are anticipated to unfold in the forthcoming months.

During the interview, Vaishnaw enlightened the public on the procedure of the rules implementation that’s taking place simultaneously. He noted that the rules are being formulated to be straightforward and flexible enough to adapt to technology’s dynamic landscape, similar to the accessibility and simplicity of the law. The implementation will follow the democratisation of technology, integral in India’s digital services expansion to remote and poverty-stricken regions.

On further development, Vaishnaw has noted that the emerging rules would be visible to the parliament and that the formation of the independent Data Protection Board is underway. In the near future, an influx of activity might be witnessed, catapulting the Board’s implementation and digital-by-design setup.

Regarding the selection for the Board, Vaishnaw drew attention to the Act’s provision for absolute independence, much like TRAI (telecom regulatory authority of India), hailed as the epitome of an independent body. The Act specifies the appointment duration, the type of subjects handled, cooling-off periods. The candidates for the Board would primarily be individuals adept with the digital economy and comprehend its nuances.

External prospects from the government would also be considered for the Data Protection Board. Classification of fiduciaries is poised to be nature-specific or sector-specific and model itself according to the proportions set by the Puttaswamy judgment. The judgment aimed to treat fiduciaries like startups, ordinary data, and significant data, separately.

When asked about behavioural tracking, particularly for children’s privacy, Vaishnaw referred to the seven principles which dictate what, how, and when data can be collected and used. Any data beyond the consent framework becomes illegal, thus, holding Big Tech and all social media companies accountable.

Merely clicking ‘I agree’ without understanding what one consents to is a ubiquitous issue today. Vaishnaw mentioned plans to address this in the law by creating a consent framework that is fair, reasonable, and easily understood. In line with the country’s diverse linguistics, the minister emphasised that consent notices would be constructed in 22 official languages.

Data fiduciaries have, by and large, voiced readiness for the law, as this principle has been implemented in other geographical sectors and India was well-prepared after the Puttaswamy judgment. However, this law is conjectured to invoke a substantial behaviour change, as protocols will alter and accountability will become stringent.

Children’s protection under this law includes verifiable consent and age verification, feasible through the country’s robust digital public infrastructure. For example, Digital India, Aadhaar, online authentication, Digilocker. These provide the capability to perform any verification online seamlessly, an advantage not available to numerous nations.

The regulations will be varied to accommodate different platforms. For instance, restrictions for educational apps differ from online game apps due to the potential inclusion of violent content affecting children’s behaviour.

Blocking fiduciaries in violation of the law provisions is a pivotal aspect of Clause 37 of the Act. Enacted after the 2022 draft, this clause caters to platforms that repeat violations, disregarding privacy even after penalties. A severe measure could involve blocking or disallowing the service after hearing out the platform’s side and adhering to the principles of natural justice.

The interviewer raised concerns about sweeping exemptions for government purposes. Vaishnaw responded that the exemptions were in absolute alignment with the Constitution, which includes carve-outs for national security, friendly country relations, public order, crime incitement and investigation.

Looking at the future, possibilities of Digitisation of India and amendments to the telecom bill before the 2024 elections were broached. The goal is to create a digital economy framework adaptable to technological changes and advancing towards democratising technology.

The less stringent data localisation norms in the new law than the original proposal is interesting. Every sector will have regulations specific to its requirements. In multinationals’ response to the new law, the principle-based approach rather than a prescriptive one was generally appreciated. The independence of the Data Protection Board evoked a positive reaction. The Indian IT industry sees this as a compelling lever for growth.

The post India to set up independent Data Protection Board under new legislation appeared first on Thaiger IN.