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भारतीय रेलवे ने 1 नवंबर से एडवांस टिकट बुकिंग की अवधि घटाकर 60 दिन कर दी है

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18 अक्टूबर, 2024 — एक महत्वपूर्ण बदलाव करते हुए, भारतीय रेलवे ने घोषणा की है कि 1 नवंबर, 2024 से एडवांस टिकट बुकिंग की अवधि 120 दिनों से घटाकर 60 दिन कर दी जाएगी। रेल मंत्रालय (@RailMinIndia) ने यात्रियों के लिए टिकट आरक्षण को सुव्यवस्थित करने के लिए जारी किए गए वाणिज्यिक परिपत्र संख्या 10, 2024 के माध्यम से इस बदलाव को सार्वजनिक किया।

नई नीति के अनुसार, अब ट्रेन टिकट 120 दिनों की पहले की सीमा की तुलना में यात्रा की तारीख को छोड़कर 60 दिन पहले तक बुक किए जा सकते हैं। हालांकि, 31 अक्टूबर, 2024 तक मौजूदा 120-दिवसीय विंडो के तहत पहले से की गई बुकिंग वैध रहेंगी।

सर्कुलर में निम्नलिखित बिंदुओं को भी स्पष्ट किया गया है:

  • 60-दिवसीय विंडो के बाद की गई बुकिंग को रद्द करने की अनुमति होगी।
  • ताज एक्सप्रेस और गोमती एक्सप्रेस जैसी कुछ दिन चलने वाली एक्सप्रेस ट्रेनें** अपनी मौजूदा छोटी बुकिंग विंडो को बरकरार रखेंगी।
  • विदेशी पर्यटकों के लिए 365-दिन की बुकिंग सीमा अपरिवर्तित रहेगी।

यह समायोजन परिचालन को अनुकूलित करने और यात्री सुविधा को बढ़ाने के लिए भारतीय रेलवे के चल रहे प्रयासों का हिस्सा है। आरक्षण अवधि को आधा करके, रेलवे अधिकारियों का लक्ष्य सट्टा बुकिंग को कम करना और यात्रा की तारीख के करीब वास्तविक यात्रियों के लिए बेहतर उपलब्धता प्रदान करना है।

यात्रियों को सलाह दी जाती है कि वे अपनी यात्रा की योजना उसी के अनुसार बनाएं क्योंकि नई नीति अगले महीने लागू होगी।

Indian Railways Reduces Advance Ticket Booking Period to 60 Days from November 1

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October 18, 2024 — In a significant change, Indian Railways has announced that the period for advance ticket booking will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days starting November 1, 2024. The Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) made this change public via Commercial Circular No. 10 of 2024, issued to streamline ticket reservations for passengers.

According to the new policy, train tickets can now be booked up to 60 days in advance (excluding the journey date), compared to the earlier limit of 120 days. However, bookings already made under the existing 120-day window until October 31, 2024, will remain valid.

The circular also clarifies the following points:

  • Cancellations of bookings made beyond the 60-day window will be allowed.
  • Certain daytime express trains, such as the Taj Express and Gomti Express, will retain their current shorter booking windows.
  • The 365-day booking limit for foreign tourists remains unchanged.

This adjustment is part of Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to optimize operations and enhance passenger convenience. By halving the reservation period, the railway authorities aim to reduce speculative bookings and provide better availability for genuine travelers closer to the date of travel.

Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly as the new policy takes effect next month.

Centre Dismisses Safety Concerns Over Iron-Fortified Rice, Backed by Scientific Evidence

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New Delhi, October 17: The Government of India has assured the public that iron-fortified rice is safe for consumption, with robust scientific evidence supporting its safety. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution addressed concerns regarding the potential health risks for individuals with blood disorders, such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell anaemia.

In a statement, the Ministry clarified that people with these hemoglobinopathies are not at risk of excessive iron absorption through fortified rice. This conclusion follows an in-depth review conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which found no evidence linking iron-fortified rice with health risks for individuals suffering from these disorders.

The Ministry emphasized that India adheres to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on food fortification. According to these recommendations, iron fortification is essential in countries like India, where rice is a dietary staple and iron-deficiency anaemia is prevalent.

Providing an update on the operational progress, the Ministry stated that out of the 30,000 rice mills in the country, more than 21,000 have installed blending equipment. These mills collectively possess the capacity to produce 223 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of fortified rice every month, ensuring a steady supply to meet public needs.

The statement also highlighted that rice fortification is a well-recognized global practice. Given the ICMR’s findings, the Ministry asserted that advisory labels warning individuals with Thalassemia or Sickle Cell anaemia are unnecessary.

This announcement aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to combat malnutrition and anaemia through food fortification, ensuring access to essential micronutrients for all sections of society.

Agartala-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express Derails in Assam’s Lumding Division

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Assam: The Agartala-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express derailed today at Dibalong station, located within the Lumding division of the Lumding-Badarpur Hill section.

According to reports, eight coaches, including the engine and power car, went off the tracks. Fortunately, there have been no casualties or major injuries reported from the accident. Authorities are treating the incident with urgency, and passengers are being safely evacuated.

Railway officials are currently investigating the cause of the derailment, and efforts are underway to restore the affected tracks. Emergency services have been deployed to the site to ensure passenger safety and provide any necessary assistance.

For anxious families and friends seeking updates, the Railway Helpline has released the following numbers:

  • 03674 263120
  • 03674 263126

Passengers traveling along this route are advised to stay updated through the official railway communication channels for further announcements and train rescheduling details.

This incident has temporarily disrupted services in the Lumding-Badarpur Hill section, but railway authorities are working swiftly to resume normal operations.

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Karnataka High Court: Shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Doesn’t Hurt Religious Feelings, Quashes Case Against Two Men

Bengaluru, October 17: In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has quashed a criminal case against two men accused of raising the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” inside a mosque in Dakshina Kannada district, stating that the act did not amount to outraging religious feelings.

In its order dated September 13, Justice M. Nagaprasanna observed that shouting the slogan could not be seen as a deliberate attempt to insult religious sentiments. “It is un-understandable how if someone shouts ‘Jai Shri Ram’, it would outrage the religious feelings of any class,” the court remarked, emphasizing that the act had no impact on public peace or order.

Case Background

The incident occurred on September 24, 2023, when the two accused, Keerthan Kumar and Sachin Kumar, allegedly entered a mosque within the Puttur police circle jurisdiction around 11 pm and shouted the slogan. The complainant alleged that the duo threatened the community, saying, “they will not leave the community.”

Following the complaint, the police registered a case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:

  • Section 447 (criminal trespass)
  • Section 295A (outraging religious beliefs)
  • Section 505 (statements conducing to public mischief)
  • Section 506 (criminal intimidation)
  • Section 34 (common intention)

The complaint also highlighted that Hindus and Muslims in the area were coexisting peacefully and expressed concern that such actions could create communal discord.

Court’s Observations

The defense argued that the alleged actions did not constitute any offence under the cited IPC sections. It further contended that entry into the mosque could not be termed criminal trespass, as it is a public place open to all.

The High Court bench clarified that Section 295A only applies to “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.” It referred to previous judgments by the Supreme Court, noting that not every action deemed offensive by someone qualifies as an offence under this section. The court emphasized that acts that do not disturb public order or peace cannot attract criminal charges.

“When the complainant himself states that Hindus and Muslims are living in harmony in the area, the incident by no stretch of imagination can result in antimony,” the court said.

Quashing the Case

After reviewing the evidence and arguments, the court concluded that the allegations failed to meet the necessary criteria for the invoked IPC sections. Accordingly, the criminal case against the two men was quashed.

This ruling reiterates the court’s stance that freedom of expression must be protected, provided it does not disturb public order or intentionally hurt religious sentiments.

Government of Goa Announces Non-Productivity Linked Bonus for State Employees

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Panaji, 16th October 2024: The Government of Goa has released a circular regarding the implementation of the Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (ad-hoc bonus) for eligible state government employees for the financial year 2023-24. The circular aligns with the Office Memorandum (O.M.) No. 7/24/2007/E.III(A) issued by the Government of India on 10th October 2024, which was forwarded for necessary action to all concerned departments and offices in Goa.

Details of the Circular

The Government of Goa has decided to extend the ad-hoc bonus to state employees, subject to specific conditions:

  1. Exclusion Criteria:
  • Employees in Group ‘C’ and non-gazetted employees in Group ‘B’ drawing a Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- and above (currently in Level 7 of the Pay Matrix under the 7th Pay Commission) as of 1st April 2024 will not be eligible for the bonus scheme.
  1. Payment Mode and Deadline:
  • The eligible employees will receive the bonus via e-payment mode.
  • The disbursement will be completed on or before 31st October 2024.
  1. Extension to Autonomous Bodies:
  • The bonus will also apply to autonomous bodies that are fully or partially funded by the government, provided they meet the following criteria:
    • They follow the same emolument structure as the state government.
    • They do not operate any bonus, ex-gratia, or incentive scheme.

Access to the Office Memorandum

The original Office Memorandum dated 10th October 2024 is available on the Directorate of Accounts website: www.accountsgoa.gov.in.

This circular, signed by Naresh Gaude, Under Secretary (Finance), reflects Goa’s commitment to ensuring that eligible employees are rewarded while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The state employees eagerly await the timely release of the bonus, which is set to provide financial relief ahead of the festive season.

Dates Announced for Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024

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The Election Commission of India has officially announced the dates for the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Voting in Maharashtra will take place in a single phase on November 20, covering all 288 assembly seats. Meanwhile, Jharkhand will hold elections in two phases—on November 13 and November 20—for its 81 assembly seats. The counting of votes for both states will occur on November 23.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar shared key details during a press conference. He highlighted that over 2.6 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots across Jharkhand’s 81 constituencies. To ensure smooth voting, 29,562 polling stations will be set up across the state. Of these, 5,042 stations will be located in urban areas, while 24,520 stations will serve rural regions.

The elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand are crucial, with both states playing pivotal roles in the nation’s political landscape. Parties are expected to intensify their campaigns in the coming weeks to secure mandates from voters.

Maharashtra’s 2019 Election Drama

In the year  2019 Maharashtra elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party, winning 105 out of 288 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 56 seats. However, a power tussle over the chief ministerial post ended their alliance. The unexpected outcome led to the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, an alliance of the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress, with Uddhav Thackeray becoming the Chief Minister. However, this coalition was short-lived, as Eknath Shinde led a rebellion within the Shiv Sena, eventually joining hands with the BJP, toppling the MVA government in 2022, and taking the helm as Chief Minister with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis as Deputy CM.

Jharkhand’s 2019 Verdict

In Jharkhand, the year  2019 elections saw the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alliance securing a comfortable victory. The coalition bagged 47 out of 81 seats, paving the way for Hemant Soren of JMM to become Chief Minister. The BJP, which had governed the state under Raghubar Das, managed to win only 25 seats. The election was marked by regional issues, tribal rights, and disenchantment with the BJP’s governance.

Looking Ahead: 2024 Elections on the Horizon

With the upcoming elections scheduled for November 13 and 20, the stakes are higher than ever. Both states have witnessed significant political shifts over the past few years. In Maharashtra, the alliance dynamics and internal Shiv Sena split will be closely scrutinized, while in Jharkhand, the ruling coalition faces anti-incumbency and new challenges from the opposition.

As political parties prepare for an intense battle, the results on November 23 will determine the future course of these two key states. Stay tuned as News Baba brings you all the latest updates and on-ground developments!MaharashtraElection2024 | #JharkhandElection2024

Stay tuned for further updates on #MaharashtraElection2024 and #JharkhandElection2024 as political developments unfold.

India Expels Six Canadian Diplomats Amid Diplomatic Tensions with Canada

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New Delhi, October 15, 2024 – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, summoned the Canadian Charge d’Affaires this evening, raising strong objections over what it described as “baseless targeting” of Indian diplomats and officials in Canada. The MEA conveyed that such actions by the Trudeau government were “completely unacceptable” and endangered the safety of the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomatic personnel.

In an official statement, the MEA emphasized that the atmosphere of “extremism and violence” in Canada posed serious threats to Indian diplomats. “We have no faith in the current Canadian Government’s commitment to ensure their security,” the ministry declared, justifying the decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner and other officials from Canada.

As part of retaliatory measures, India announced the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats. They have been asked to leave Indian soil by 11:59 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The diplomats ordered to depart are:

  1. Mr. Stewart Ross Wheeler – Acting High Commissioner
  2. Mr. Patrick Hebert – Deputy High Commissioner
  3. Ms. Marie Catherine Joly – First Secretary
  4. Mr. Ian Ross David Trites – First Secretary
  5. Mr. Adam James Chuipka – First Secretary
  6. Ms. Paula Orjuela – First Secretary

Reason for Diplomatic Tension

Relations between India and Canada have been deteriorating due to allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Indian agents were involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan activist, in British Columbia earlier this year. Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India, advocated for the creation of an independent Sikh state. Trudeau’s public accusation sparked outrage in New Delhi, with India vehemently denying the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated.”

India responded by criticizing Canada’s failure to address the presence of extremist elements on its soil. New Delhi accused Ottawa of sheltering individuals and groups promoting separatism and violence against India under the guise of political freedom. The Indian government views these activities as a threat to its sovereignty and a serious security concern.

The diplomatic expulsion announced today is part of a broader fallout from these tensions, with both countries scaling back engagement. Trade talks between India and Canada have already stalled, and relations are now at one of their lowest points in recent history.

This escalation raises further questions about the future of bilateral relations between the two countries, with both sides showing little willingness to back down.

#MEA | #foreignaffairs | #India | #Canada | #Jaishankar | #Nijjar | #internationalrelations

Delhi Police seize drugs worth ₹13,000 crore

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Amit Shah Commends Delhi Police’s Massive Drug Busts, Reaffirms Commitment to a Drug-Free Bharat

New Delhi, October 14, 2024 — Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reiterated the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse, vowing that the campaign against narcotics will continue without compromise. Shah emphasized that protecting India’s youth from the perils of drugs is a key priority in building a drug-free Bharat.

Shri Shah took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to commend the Delhi Police for a series of successful operations that have led to the seizure of drugs worth ₹13,000 crore. One of the most significant recent achievements was a joint operation on October 13, 2024, between the Special Cell of Delhi Police and Gujarat Police, which uncovered 518 kilograms of cocaine in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. The confiscated drugs, valued at ₹5,000 crore on the international market, highlight the magnitude of the operation.

Earlier, on October 1, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell raided a warehouse in Mahipalpur, Delhi, seizing 562 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana originating from Thailand. As the investigation progressed, another 208 kilograms of cocaine were recovered on October 10 from a shop in Ramesh Nagar, Delhi. Further inquiries revealed that the entire drug consignment was linked to the company in Ankleshwar where the latest seizure occurred.

So far, the authorities have seized a total of 1,289 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana, with an estimated market value of ₹13,000 crore internationally.

In his post, Shri Amit Shah praised the efforts of both the Delhi Police and Gujarat Police, stating:
“I congratulate Delhi Police for the series of successful operations seizing drugs worth ₹13,000 crore, including the recent one with Gujarat Police recovering cocaine worth ₹5,000 crore. The hunt against drugs & narco trade will continue with no laxity.”

The Union Home Minister reaffirmed that the government’s war on drugs would persist relentlessly, underscoring the administration’s focus on dismantling narco networks to secure a brighter future for the country’s youth.

The government’s actions align with its long-term strategy of strengthening law enforcement agencies and encouraging inter-state cooperation to combat the drug menace effectively.

BJP Chief J.P. Nadda Slams Congress for Personal Attacks on PM Modi and Irresponsible Remarks

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New Delhi, October 13: BJP National President J.P. Nadda sharply criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s recent remarks, accusing the Congress of indulging in personal attacks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tarnishing the nation’s reputation. Nadda’s statement comes in response to Kharge’s controversial comment labelling the BJP as a “terrorist party,” which the BJP chief described as a reflection of Congress’s “ideological bankruptcy and thoughtlessness.”

According to Nadda, the Congress party, unable to counter the widespread public optimism generated by Prime Minister Modi’s welfare schemes and policies, has resorted to desperate measures. “The Congress has consistently failed to present a constructive vision for the country, and instead, it resorts to personal attacks and defaming Bharat on the global stage,” Nadda said.

The BJP leader highlighted that under Modi’s leadership, India has achieved significant progress, including the successful rollout of welfare schemes targeting vulnerable sections and policies that promote long-term economic growth. “The people of this country see through the Congress’s negativity, which is why they have repeatedly reposed their faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Modi,” he added.

Nadda reiterated that Kharge’s remarks not only reflect the Congress’s inability to offer a positive narrative but also show a lack of respect for democratic debate. “This kind of rhetoric lowers the standards of political discourse and exposes the frustration within the Congress leadership,” he remarked.

The BJP President assured the public that his party would continue to focus on nation-building and inclusive development, irrespective of political provocations. “We will respond to negativity with good governance and public service,” Nadda concluded.

The exchange underscores the escalating war of words between the two major national parties as elections draw near, with both sides sharpening their rhetoric to sway public opinion.