"Those Who Speak Truth...": Yogi Adityanath On High Court Judge's Remarks

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday hit out at the Opposition for initiating impeachment notices against Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Allahabad High Court's Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, saying "whoever speaks the truth" is threatened in this way.

Speaking at the World Hindu Economic Forum 2024, he also accused the Congress of practicing double standards.

"Whoever speaks the truth, these people will pressurise him with impeachment (motions), and still they talk about the Constitution. Look at their double standards.

"An Allahabad High Court judge said there should be a Uniform Civil Code, and the world over the feelings of the majority community are respected," the UP chief minister said.

What was a person's crime if he voices these opinions, he asked.

"Shouldn't there be a Uniform Civil Code in the country? The world over, the system runs as per what the majority community says and India is saying the discrimination between majority and minority community should end. They (the Congress) will pressurize, because it is their old habit of strangulating the Constitution and managing the system of the country," Adityanath alleged.

As to the notice to impeach Dhankhar for his alleged partisan role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the BJP leader said the Vice President is doing his duty as presiding officer of the Upper House.

"The Opposition is worried as to how a farmer's son has reached this position. If someone as a judge as well as a citizen of the country puts forth truth on a social and cultural platform, he is threatened with impeachment," Adityanath added.

Members of several opposition parties on Friday moved a notice in the Rajya Sabha for the impeachment of Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav over his alleged controversial remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event on December 8.

The Supreme Court has sought details pertaining to the controversy from the Allahabad High Court.

Adityanath, meanwhile, said the society and country need to expose those who want to suppress the truth. Those who spurn India's legacy should be exposed, he said, alleging that the Opposition says that Lord Ram never existed.

The Sanatan religion never claimed it is great, or it never said its supremacy must be accepted, Adityanath said, adding that it neither controlled anyone with a sword nor did it stake a claim on anyone's land.

"You have PM Modi showering flowers on workers who built the Ram Temple in Ayodhya for their hard work, and there will also be rulers who chopped the hands of workers who built the Taj Mahal," he said.

India cannot establish itself as a strong economy by forgetting its legacy, the UP chief minister said.

India's economy stood at 10th or 11th position after 70 years, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it the fifth largest economy in 10 years, and in 2027 India will be the third largest economy, the BJP leader said.

Uttar Pradesh is now the country's second largest economy and is on its way to grow to USD 1 trillion, Adityanath said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Centre To Amend J&K Act To Align It With 'One Nation, One Poll' Initiative

The Centre will introduce a bill to amend 'The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019' in Lok Sabha next week, to integrate the Union Territory with its 'One Nation, One Election' initiative, a senior government official told NDTV.

"The existing Union Territory Assembly will complete its full term and in case of premature dissolution of the assembly, mid-term election to be held for only the remaining period of 5 years. Centre is introducing a bill to this effect," a senior government official said.

The official said this will allow the Centre to amend the law to integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the initiative.

As per business scheduled in Lok Sabha on Monday, Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal would introduce 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill-2024' to make changes in the 'Government of Union Territories Act, 1963', the 'Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act', 1991 and the 'Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019'.

"While the amendments in the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 have been proposed for respectively for synchronisation of assembly polls of Puducherry and Delhi with Lok Sabha polls, the amendments in J&K Reorganisation Act- 2019 will align Jamm and Kashmir's electoral cycle with Lok Sabha polls," he further explains.

As per amendments proposed in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, the term of the Legislative Assembly shall come to an end on the expiry of the full term of Lok Sabha.

The bill states that simultaneous elections would come into effect on an "appointed date" to be notified by the President on the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after a general election.

"As the first sitting of the Lok Sabha elected in 2024 has already taken place, the earliest appointed date for simultaneous elections that can only be notified is the first sitting of the House elected in the 2029 elections. This means that simultaneous polls could be held by 2034 when the full term of that House ends," an official told NDTV, explaining the bill.

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Assam Rifles Cuts Roots Of Narco Trade, Destroys 354 Acres Of Illegal Poppy

The Assam Rifles alone destroyed 354 acres of illicit poppy cultivation this year, primarily in three Manipur districts -- Ukhrul, Churachandpur and Chandel. A defence spokesman said that through meticulously planned joint operations, the force successfully identified and destroyed 354 acres of illicit poppy cultivation, primarily in the districts of Ukhrul, Churachandpur, and Chandel.

The Assam Rifles continued its determination to fight against the menace of poppy cultivation along the India-Myanmar border, he said.

The spokesman said that by eliminating poppy fields and striking at the roots of narco-trade, Assam Rifles has reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring stability and security in Manipur and beyond.

According to the defence official, the battle against poppy cultivation has been a consistent priority for the paramilitary force, as reflected in its sustained efforts over the years.

In 2020 the force identified a staggering 8,057 acres of poppy fields, of which 1,695 acres were destroyed. This trend of rigorous action continued in subsequent years with 5,610 acres identified and 1,976 acres destroyed in 2021.

The Assam Rifles intensified its operations in 2022 identifying 494 acres and destroying 715 acres, including previously undiscovered patches. In 2023, 1,735 acres were identified and 1,488 acres were eradicated.

By 2024 the area of identified poppy fields had declined significantly, reflecting the success of the state and Central governments and security forces' multi-pronged strategy, the spokesman pointed out.

Noting that the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur, no single agency can effectively address this challenge alone, the spokesman said that collaborative operations have proven essential, with Assam Rifles actively coordinating with state and central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Manipur Police and other CAPFs deployed in the area.

The NCB, as the nodal agency for drug enforcement under the Ministry of Home Affairs, ensured synergy among all stakeholders during operations, especially during the opium harvesting seasons. Joint operations have focused on curbing cultivation, disrupting supply chains and dismantling the networks sustaining the illicit drug trade.

The security cover provided by the force has ensured the safe execution of destruction operations in vulnerable and conflict-prone areas.

5.7 ACRES OF POPPY PLANTATION DESTROYED AT THINGHANGJANG AREA, CHURACHANDPUR.

Well done, combined team of Churachandpur Police, 36 AR, CCPur Forest Division, and NAB for their successful operation in the Thinghangjang area under Tuibuong Sub-division. The destruction of... pic.twitter.com/MKUSZgV3ht

— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 14, 2024

Assam Rifles deftly incorporated advanced technology, such as drone surveillance in identifying poppy fields in inaccessible terrains.

An official statement said that these high-tech measures are complemented by actionable intelligence from local communities and inputs from civil society organisations (CSOs).

The Leveraging of Technology and Community Support has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of operations, ensuring a swift and targeted approach. Additionally, the Force has also maintained a robust ground presence through Area Domination Patrols in traditional cultivation zones. This persistent vigilance has acted as a deterrent to the resurgence of illegal farming practices, the statement said.

Beyond destruction campaigns, Assam Rifles has also prioritised addressing the socio-economic factors driving poppy cultivation.

Under its "Drug-Free Manipur" initiative, the Force has conducted extensive awareness drives to educate communities about the perils of drug addiction and the risks associated with illegal farming.

Through regular interactions with villagers and local leaders, the force has actively promoted sustainable livelihood options, encouraging a shift toward legitimate and long-term economic activities.

Assam Rifles' zero-tolerance policy against narcotics-related activities has led to legal actions against defaulters, including cultivators and financiers. These measures, combined with efforts to restrict cross-border narcotics trafficking, have disrupted the infrastructure supporting poppy cultivation.

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"Critical Period For Indigenous People...": Manipur Chief Minister

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday said his government is working hard to ensure rights, respect and ownership of land for the indigenous people in the state.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the Manipur Indigenous People Cultural Exchange Festival in Chadong village in Kamjong district, Mr Singh called for "constitutional protection" for the indigenous people.

"Now it is a critical period for indigenous people who have been living since time immemorial. Our land was safeguarded by spear and swords in the history of more than 2000 years and guns arrived only after the British came," he said.

Mr Singh said he initiated the "Go to Hills" campaign to strengthen shared cultural and historical legacy.

"Understanding the indigenous communities is the need of the hour...Many people do not want to acknowledge the demographic changes caused by events happening outside the state. We have been struggling to save the indigenous communities which are under threat," Mr Singh said. "The government is working hard to ensure the rights, respect, ownership of land and authority of the indigenous people. We will succeed in our endeavour."

An indigenous ethnic cultural centre was developed at Rs 6 crore in Makhel village which is considered as the origin of indigenous people, he said.

"Ever since I became a chief minister, I initiated the 'Go to Hills' campaign as part of understanding our shared cultural and historical legacy. Several historical sites have been developed," Mr Singh said.

The festival organised by the Indigenous Peoples' Forum was supported by the government as part of its effort to foster unity, the chief minister said.

Mr Singh also urged those who consistently criticise the government to first "study the changes in population and electoral rolls".

Inaugurated the Manipur Indigenous People's Cultural Exchange Festival 2024 under the theme "Manipur United by Diversity" at Chadong, Kamjong District.

This celebration of our rich heritage & vibrant traditions reflects the spirit of unity and resilience that defines us as a... pic.twitter.com/Z7q3a3BdLi

— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 13, 2024

He appealed to them to "look at satellite images of the number of villages that have grown in the state and the size of forests that have disappeared due to deforestation".

"Please also study why there is a massive rise in population among one community and not in other communities. If there was anything wrong with what I had said and done, you could punish me. Mere gossip cannot save land and indigenous people," Mr Singh said.

He asked residents of the state to "support the steps taken up by the government to protect the indigenous people". "The government will continue its struggle to protect the indigenous population until and unless constitutional protection for these people is achieved," Mr Singh said.

The chief minister said his government is committed to "ensure constitutional protection of indigenous communities" in the state.

He said the war on drugs campaign to protect the youth of the state would continue. He appreciated the efforts of the Assam Rifles and Ukhrul district Superintendent of Police for destroying more than 100 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi areas.

The government will definitely extend assistance to any reasonable demand, and all recognised tribes in the state should unite to save land, he said.

Mr Singh also highlighted how the people of Chadong village were shifted due to the construction of a dam and said the project has ushered in new means of livelihood for the villagers through fisheries and tourism. He extended his wishes for Christmas and called for peace in the state.

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Zomato Gets Rs 803 Crore GST Demand On Delivery Charges, Says Will Appeal

Food delivery aggregator Zomato on Thursday said the GST department in Thane has imposed a tax demand of Rs 803.4 crore, including interest and penalty.

The demand order has been received in respect of non-payment of GST on delivery charges with interest and penalty thereon, Zomato said in a regulatory filing.

The company said it will file an appeal before the appropriate authority as it believes it has a strong case.

"... Company has received an order on 12 December 2024 ... for the period 29 October 2019 to 31 March 2022 passed by Joint Commissioner of CGST & Central Excise, Thane Commissionerate, Maharashtra, confirming demand of GST of Rs 401,70,14,706 with interest as applicable and penalty of Rs 401,70,14,706," Zomato stated.

"We believe that we have a strong case on merits, which is backed by opinions from our external legal and tax advisors. The company will be filing an appeal against the order before the appropriate authority," it added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Pilot Detects Fuel Leak During Final Pre-Flight Inspection, Averts Tragedy

A potential tragedy was averted at the Chennai Airport on Wednesday when the pilot of an Air India flight travelling from Chennai to Singapore detected a possible fuel leak during the final pre-flight inspection.

The flight, carrying 145 passengers including crew members, was scheduled to fly on Wednesday noon.

However, during the final checks, the pilot noticed the technical issue and immediately alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC).

Engineers and airport authorities promptly attended to the problem, and the malfunction was rectified.

Once receiving clearance, the flight departed safely.

In a separate development, seven departure flights and five arrival flights were cancelled at Chennai Airport on the same day due to various reasons.

Flights departing to Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, Shimoga, Bagdogra, Jaffna, and Kolkata were affected.

Arrivals from Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, Kochi, Kolkata, and Jaffna were also cancelled.

Airport officials reported that eight flights were cancelled due to operational reasons, while two faced technical issues.

Poor weather conditions in Jaffna led to the cancellation of the departure and arrival flights on that route.

Additionally, one flight from New Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Bengaluru after rain briefly disrupted operations on Wednesday morning.

The New Delhi flight, scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m., could not do so due to adverse weather.

This latest incident adds to a series of aviation challenges in the Chennai airport.

A SpiceJet flight from Chennai to Kochi made an emergency return to Chennai Airport on Monday (December 9) morning after encountering a technical glitch mid-air.

The flight, which had 117 passengers onboard, flew at 6:30 a.m. and safely returned at 7:15 a.m.

During adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal, an IndiGo Airbus A320 narrowly avoided a mishap.

While attempting to land at Chennai Airport, the pilot aborted the landing just inches from the ground and performed a go-round.

A flight scheduled to arrive in Thoothukudi was diverted to Madurai due to technical issues.

After circling briefly, the aircraft made a safe emergency landing in Madurai.

Among the 77 passengers was Tamil Nadu's Public Works Minister, E.V. Velu.

Recently, an Air India Express flight from Kuwait to Chennai returned to Kuwait due to a mid-air technical snag.

The flight, with 154 passengers onboard, was cancelled after the issue persisted.

Passengers were accommodated in Kuwait.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Person Faking Sexual Identity Jailed For 20 Years For Raping Girl: UP Cops

A local court in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly sentenced a 22-year-old person, who faked his sexual identity, to 20 years imprisonment for raping a minor girl, a police officer said on Tuesday.

Superintendent of Police (City) Bareilly Manush Pareek said initially the accused had claimed to be a female transgender, but a medical examination conducted at the SGPGI Lucknow, as per court orders, revealed the accused as biologically male.

The incident occurred in the Mirganj area in August last year. Farin Kinar allegedly lured the survivor on the pretext of watching TV and committed the crime. He also allegedly threatened to harm her if she disclosed the incident, the officer said.

"Hearing the case on Monday, Special Judge POCSO Court-3 Umashankar Khar found Farin guilty. The court considered the medical examination report and witness statements. Farin was sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 12,000," the officer said.

The court ordered that the fine amount be given to the victim, he said.

Farin's counsel had claimed that Farin was transgender, wore women's clothes and was "incapable of committing rape". 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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