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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
MPs battle Army in Sindoor Cup today
1 2 Kanpur: Member of Parliament XI will face Army XI in the "Sindoor cup Cricket match" under floodlights at the historic Green park stadium on Sunday evening. The match will be broadcast live in 36 countries by DD. On the eve of the match, Ramesh Awasthi MP, Akhil Kumar police commissioner, and Brig. Sabrul Hasan unveiled the glittering trophy, embedded with a replica of the Brahmos missile, at Green park. Organisers have distributed around 20 thousand free passes, with entry to the stadium to open at 3 p.m. Cultural programmes are set to begin at 4 p.m. with a performance by renowned singer Swati Mishra. Subsequently, poetess Kavita Tiwari and Kanhaiya Mittal will perform. Ramesh Awasthi stated that after the first inning, the Army band will present patriotic songs. The toss is scheduled for 6.15 p.m., with the match starting at 6.30 p.m. Defence state minister Sanjay Seth will inaugurate the match. Manoj Tiwari will captain MP XI, while Brig. Sabrul Hassan will lead Army XI. The event is dedicated to the valour and bravery of the Army. Ramesh Awasthi mentioned that cricketer yusuf Pathan TMC MP was considered for inclusion, but due to commitments in Abudhabi he could not take part. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Преносим лазерен заваръчен пистолет, 50% отстъпка днес HL Купете сега Undo Major General Sunil Saran, known as Bullet Catcher, will also participate from Army XI. He is renowned for his exceptional service, having been injured in several major Army operations, including the Mumbai terror attack. The encounter will take place on pitch number 6, with DD providing live coverage using eight high-tech cameras. UPCA has arranged BCCI panel umpires and scorers for the match. The tentative teams are as follows – MP XI: Manoj Tiwari (MP – captain North East Delhi), Ramesh Awasthi (MP), Vijay Dubey (MP Kushi Ngr), Devesh Shakya (MP Etah), Prashant Y Padole (MP- Bhandara Gondia), Manoj Rajoria (former MP Karauli Dhaulpur), Subrat Pathak (former MP Kannauj), Somendra tomar (state minister UP), Danish Ansari (state minister Muslim Waqf), PN Pathak (MLA kushi nagar), Abhijeet Sanga (MLA Bithor), Punit Sharma (MCD chairman), Nishikant Dubey (MP Jharkhand) Army XI: Brig. Shabrul Hasan (Knp), Brig Nawab Khan (Prayagraj), Colonel Sunil Nandal CO Rajputana rifles (Knp), Navneet Sahgal (chairman Prasar Bharti), Akhil Kumar (Police commissioner Knp), Abhishek Kumar (Jt Co cant board Knp), Sudhir Kumar (Municipal comm. Knp), Ashutosh Kumar (Chief transport manager Knp), Qasim Abidi (Dy Com of Police (offences)), Rajesh K Singh ADM (City), Gaurang Rathi (DM Unnao), Manish Nigam additional Dy Comm police, Samual Paul (MD Kesco) MSID:: 122132436 413 |
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
Kanpur police to use Google maps to monitor offenders
Kanpur: The Kanpur Commissionerate Police are initiating a surveillance system using Google Maps to monitor criminal activities. The system requires synchronisation of mobile numbers of repeat offenders. Due to the absence of legal frameworks, the authorities will seek voluntary participation from offenders through a consent form. The tracking will be facilitated through Google Maps once the numbers are registered. Police Commissioner Akhil Kumar introduced the initiative as 'Divya-Drishti', set to commence as a pilot project in Kanpur. "It will be launched within the next ten days. If successful and yielding good results, it will be fully implemented in the Commissionerate," said the CP. The programme primarily targets habitual offenders on parole or those who returned to mainstream society. The authorities will implement a straightforward process of obtaining consent and registration details, as there are no legal provisions for phone monitoring. Offenders will be required to enable location sharing with the police through Google. The authorities anticipate cooperation, particularly from reformed individuals. Police stations and personnel are receiving necessary training for this operation. According to the CP, offender locations will be displayed on police station monitors. "The operation will be staffed with an inspector, a Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) operator, and a constable. The stations will receive computing equipment, and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be linked to Gmail account of the station in-charge. The system includes provisions for video communications with offenders when required," said the CP further. This system eliminates the need for physical verification visits, said the official further, adding, "Each station will initially register approximately 50 offenders, focusing on urban areas exclusively for now." The CP indicated future plans to implement wearable tracking devices, similar to international practices. "The authorities are assessing device costs and considering CSR funding options if expenses are substantial," he said.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Rape accused joined search after crime, took victim to hospital: Police
KANPUR After sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl and attempting to murder her in Kanpur's Ghatampur locality on Tuesday, the accused, a 21-year-old neighbour, allegedly returned home after the gory act, washed his clothes, took a bath, and then joined the victim's family in search of the child who had been missing from home, behaving as if nothing had happened, said police on Wednesday. The minor had gone to a nearby grocery store around 4pm when the accused youth allegedly lured her to a secluded spot on the pretext of offering her a chocolate. 'He outraged her modesty, and when the girl screamed in pain, the assailant allegedly stuffed her mouth with leaves and soil. As she continued to cry and resist, he repeatedly hit her with a brick until she lost consciousness,' said deputy commissioner of police (south) Deependra Nath Chaudhary. An FIR was lodged under relevant sections of the BNS and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. The accused, who resides across a narrow lane from the victim's house in a sparsely populated locality, is said to have used his familiarity with the family to lure the girl away while she was playing outside her home on Tuesday evening. 'When I was asking others about my daughter's whereabouts, he told me that she was lying behind the Syed Baba ki Mazar,' the victim's mother recalled from the Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital, where the girl remains in the intensive care unit. Police said the accused led the family to the child's location near the mazar around 11pm and then rushed her to the hospital on his motorcycle. The CCTV footage shows him transporting the grievously injured child to the local community health centre. According to the police, the accused fled the locality soon after many women identified him as the last person seen with the child. 'My daughter used to call him 'uncle'. He took her with him and then hit her with a brick on the face,' said the distraught father, a local e-rickshaw repairman. 'The manner in which he joined the search made it impossible to suspect him. He acted like one of us,' he added. The area near the mazar, surrounded by dense trees, is largely deserted in the evenings. It was here, the police said, that the accused allegedly struck the child with a brick and attempted to suffocate her by stuffing leaves into her mouth. After committing the crime, he returned to his house, cleaned himself up, and actively joined the search. His familiarity with the family and the neighbourhood allowed him to deflect suspicion, until eyewitnesses placed him with the child just before her disappearance. Police officials said the accused was adopted by a tubewell operator and his wife, and had been a frequent visitor to the victim's house. The DCP confirmed that multiple teams have been deployed to track the accused, who remains at large. 'We are closing in on him. His arrest is imminent,' he said. Kanpur commissioner of police Akhil Kumar visited the hospital in the early hours of Wednesday and remained there until dawn. Given the critical condition of the victim, a green corridor was created to expedite her transfer to the LLR hospital.
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
NITI Aayog's role in fostering spirit of strong states, strong nation
— Akhil Kumar During the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the goal of Viksit Bharat and urged state governments to focus on sectors like manufacturing and services, tourism, and to find ways to leverage the Free Trade Agreements India is signing with several countries. 'We should focus on one goal — to make Bharat Viksit by 2047. We should have the aim of making each state Viksit, each city Viksit, each Nagar Palika Viksit and each village Viksit. If we work on these lines, we will not have to wait till 2047 to become Viksit Bharat,' the Prime Minister said during the meeting held on May 25 in Delhi. NITI Aayog drives this vision forward by actively supporting states through various initiatives and mechanisms, premised on the belief that strong States make a strong nation. But how does this premier policy think tank of the Government of India advance this vision? In what ways does it foster cooperative and competitive federalism? What are the significant initiatives it has launched since its inception? With the twin mandate of promoting cooperative and competitive federalism, NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was constituted in January 2015 replacing the 65-year-old Planning Commission as a public policy think tank. Outlining the body's objectives, a press statement issued by the government of India on January 1, 2015, stated, 'An important evolutionary change from the past will be replacing a centre-to-state one-way flow of policy by a genuine and continuing partnership with the states.' The two fundamental pillars of the body are a collaboration between the Central and State governments and promoting healthy competition among States through various sectors such as agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, and irrigation. Unlike the erstwhile Planning Commission, which worked as a centralised body through the five-year plans by pursuing top-down approach in allocating the funds to the States, NITI Aayog was envisaged to adopt a bottom-up model with no financial powers vested upon it. In doing so, it delinked fund allocation from policy planning and redefined the role of the States in the developmental paradigm and policy-making process. In terms of its composition, the Governing Council of NITI Aayog comprises the Prime Minister of India, Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories with Legislature, and Lt Governors of other Union Territories. The body also includes a Vice Chairman and other members appointed by the Centre. The Governing Council presents a platform 'to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues to accelerate the implementation of the national development agenda'. Building on this structure, NITI Aayog undertakes a wide range of activities. The activities of the think tank can be classified into four broad areas: policy and programme framework, cooperative federalism, monitoring and evaluation, and think tank and knowledge and innovation hub. To promote cooperative federalism, it constitutes various task forces and sub-groups related to various flagship programmes introduced by the Centre. It has adopted a multifaceted governance model by forging partnerships with various stakeholders such as State governments, civil society representatives, the private sector, and technocrats to accelerate India's development journey. The body has introduced several ideas in policy innovation and data. Additionally, NITI Aayog played an important role in tracking India's performance on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by August 2030 as it introduced the SDG index to promote competition among States. The SDG India Index 2023-24 report, released by NITI Aayog, shows India's composite score stood at 71 in 2023-24 compared to 66 in 2020-21. The report underlined significant progress made in eliminating poverty, providing decent work, economic growth, climate action and life on earth. Specifically, India marked improvements in several key SDGs including 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Other significant initiatives by the premier policy think tank included: — Performance in Health Outcomes Index to review health performance. — Composite Water Management Index to address India's growing water crisis. — School Education Quality Index to improve education outcomes. These measures played a key role in getting real time data on various indices, encouraging informed policy-making and fostering competition among various States. In 2018, NITI Aayog also introduced the 'Aspirational Districts Programme' to study the underdevelopment and enhance the performance of human development indicators (such as health, education, agriculture and others) in 112 districts across 26 States and one Union Territory. The basic tenets of this ADP strategy were the three C's which include: collaboration, convergence, and competition. Examples of the success stories from districts include: — Jamui, Bihar: Technological intervention to reduce mortality rate in high risk pregnancies. — Malkangiri, Odisha:-Transformation of the Anganwadi system. — Viziangaram, Andhra Pradesh: Construction of hostels for tribal pregnant women. — Nandurbar, Maharashtra: Centralised kitchens for better nutrition to tackle malnutrition. The best performing districts were also rewarded on the rankings based on incremental progress made across 49 key performance indicators (KPIs) under five socio-economic themes – health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, skill development and infrastructure. The best practices pursued in governance in these aspirational districts were emulated in various other districts to alleviate regional disparities and improve the outcomes. Building on the successful implementation of this programme, 'The Aspirational Blocks Programme' was launched in 2023 to develop 500 underdeveloped blocks in India, aiming to improve living standards in remote areas lacking basic amenities. NITI Aayog also seeks to train local officials and create a robust tracking system to ensure centrally sponsored schemes are reached effectively to the intended beneficiaries without any hindrance. Examples of success stories from this programme include: — Mandia, Assam in improving access to clean tap water to households through 'Jal Mitras' — Dumri, Jharkhand for tackling malnutrition in children — Maddikera, Andhra Pradesh for improving education infrastructure In its role as a knowledge and innovation hub, NITI Aayog launched the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in 2016 to nurture the innovation ecosystem across the country. Through this programme, 1.1 crore students were engaged in 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), nearly 32,000 jobs were created through 72 Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), 7,100 ATLs were sanctioned in 110 aspirational districts in India. This programme played a significant role in bringing the best talent among young minds and fostering a culture of creativity, promoting entrepreneurial skills across various educational institutions. Several startups such as Agnikul (space tech) benefitted from the AIM. In November 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the AIM programme until March 31, 2028, with an allocated budget of Rs. 2,750 crores. Unlike AIM 1.0, AIM 2.0 will expand the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in 22 recognised languages. The mission also aims to create an innovation ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, North East, Aspirational Districts, and Blocks where 15 per cent of citizens reside. To sum up, as an ideas platform, NITI Aayog fundamentally altered the landscape of planning in India by adopting a facilitating and participatory model, decentralising the development journey, and working closely with the States through new partnerships. The more frequent consultation with the States would help bridge gaps in policy implementation and address future challenges. How does NITI Aayog reflect the principle of 'Strong States, Strong Nation' in its functioning? What are the four broad areas under which NITI Aayog's activities are classified? Name some initiatives or programmes launched by it to improve delivery of centrally sponsored schemes. In what ways does NITI Aayog promote federal cooperation while maintaining competitive development among states? Evaluate the impact of the SDG India Index in encouraging state-level performance on sustainable development. Discuss how NITI Aayog's initiatives like AIM contribute to long-term national innovation capacity. (Dr. Akhil Kumar is a PhD in Political Science from University of Hyderabad.) Share your thoughts and ideas on UPSC Special articles with Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Governor vs. State: Supreme Court draws the line
(The Indian Express has launched a new series of articles for UPSC aspirants written by seasoned writers and scholars on issues and concepts spanning History, Polity, International Relations, Art, Culture and Heritage, Environment, Geography, Science and Technology, and so on. Read and reflect with subject experts and boost your chance of cracking the much-coveted UPSC CSE. In the following article, Dr. Akhil Kumar delves into the role and power of the Governor in light of the recent ruling by the Supreme Court.) Recently, the Supreme Court, for the first time, ruled that the President should take a decision on the Bills reserved for consideration by the Governor within three months from the date on which such reference is received. Under Article 201 of the Constitution, the Governor has the power to reserve a Bill – passed by both Houses of the State Legislature – for the consideration of the President. The apex court invoked its special power under Article 142 and called for a decision within three months and added, 'in case of any delay beyond this period, appropriate reasons would have to be recorded and conveyed' to the state concerned. The April 8 ruling came in response to Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi's prolonged inaction over 10 crucial State Bills, withholding of consent on them and the subsequent reservation of the re-passed Bills to President Droupadi Murmu for her consideration in November 2023. Tension between the States and Governors often emerges due to the proviso to Article 200, which states that the Governor 'may, as soon as possible' grant assent to the Bills without specifying any definitive timeline. Therefore, the apex court's ruling calls for a closer examination of the Constitutional provisions dealing with the role of Governors and their relations with the state, specifically in view of the fact that the Constitution has set no timeframe for a Presidential decision on a Bill reserved for consideration by the Governor. First, let's look into the appointment and role of a Governor. Appointment and qualifications of Governor The Constitution has laid provisions for the appointment of a Governor. Article 153 states, 'There shall be a Governor for each State.' Article 155 says that the 'Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal'. Under Article 156, 'the Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President', but his normal term of office will be five years. If the President withdraws her pleasure before the completion of five years, the Governor has to step down. Since the President acts on the aid and advice of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers, in effect, the Governor is appointed and removed by the central government. Articles 157 and 158 enunciate the qualifications of the Governor and the conditions of his office: (i) the Governor must be a citizen of India and has attained the age of 35 years; (ii) the Governor should not be a member of Parliament or a state legislature, and must not hold any other office of profit. Roles of the Governor The Constitution also specifies that the Governor must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers of the state. Article 163 states: 'There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except in so far as he is by or under this Constitution required to exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion.' The Constitution also empowers the Governor to summon, prorogue, or dissolve the State Assembly. However, the Governor can exercise this power only after due consultation with the Council of Ministers. As the executive head of the state, the Governor is entrusted with powers such as the appointment of the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Advocate General, State Election Commissioner, State Universities officials, Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission and others. What recent judgement by the top court says The Governor enjoys certain powers under the Constitution such as giving or withholding assent to a Bill passed by both Houses of the State Legislature. Under Article 200 of the Constitution, the Governor has several options: — To grant assent to the bill, — To withhold assent, — To return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for consideration by the State Legislature, and — To reserve the bill for the President's consideration. However, proviso to Article 200 also states that the executive head of the State must return the bill 'as soon as possible' but it does not mention any stipulated time, which has sometimes resulted in long delays in gubernatorial action. In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court addressed this issue and laid down time-bound guidelines for the Governors to act upon a Bill: — Granting assent within one month, — Not withholding assent contrary to the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, — Return a Bill within three months, — Expressing reservations on the bill within three months, and — If the Bill is reconsidered and passed again by the Legislature, the Governor must grant assent within one month. Don't Miss | The world this week | India, Pak ties hit another low after Pahalgam terror attack, New Delhi, Ottawa to reset strained ties, US threatens sanctions against Iranian oil buyers Committees and judgements on the Governor's role In various instances, the role of the Governor, along with the scope of their powers and functions, has been a recurring subject, which was scrutinized by various committees appointed by the Centre and the Supreme Court of India. From the Administrative Reforms Commission in 1969 to the Punchhi Commission in 2007, several panels constituted by various governments recommended wide-ranging reforms regarding the Governor's selection process, powers, functions, tenure, impeachment and other matters. The Sarkaria Commission (1988) examined the centre-state relations and suggested reforms regarding the Governor's power under Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution. The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2001), chaired by M.N. Venkatachaliah and initiated by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, observed that Governors, as representatives of the Centre, often act as its agents, and decisions taken by them often evoke controversy. The Punchhi Commission (2007) reviewed the existing arrangements between the centre and the States and recommended that the Governor must be appointed with the consultation of the Chief Minister of the concerned state and there must be a timely decision by the Governor on the bills passed by the Legislature. To ensure impartial functioning, the office of the Governor did come under judicial scrutiny on several occasions, with the Supreme Court of India delivering key observations to rein in the Governor's power in several landmark judgments. These rulings served as points of reference in subsequent cases and shaped the functioning of this constitutional office. Some of them are: In Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab (1974), the court declared that the Governor must act only on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. In 1979, in Raghukul Tilak's case, the court held that Governors are not mere employees of the Centre but hold a high constitutional office in their respective states they are appointed. The S R Bommai vs Union of India (1994) can be considered a landmark judgement over the Governor's decision on the President's rule (Article 356) as it laid down clear guidelines that the floor test is final to prove the majority and the Governor's actions are subject to judicial scrutiny. In 2006, in Rameshwar Prasad vs Union of India with reference to the dissolution of Bihar state legislative assembly, the court firmly made it clear that the Governor's individual opinion cannot be a valid reason for the imposition of President's rule in any State. Post Read Questions What are the broader constitutional implications of the Supreme Court's ruling in Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi's prolonged inaction over 10 crucial State Bills on Governor-State relations? What does the ruling imply about the evolving role of the judiciary in interpreting executive powers at the state level? Why is the absence of a definitive timeline in Article 200 seen as problematic in Centre-State relations? How do constitutional provisions aim to balance the Governor's formal authority with the democratic functioning of the elected state government? (Dr. Akhil Kumar is a PhD in Political Science from University of Hyderabad.)
