Robbers loot Rs 50 lakh from Axis Bank

Patna, July 1, 2024
A daring heist took place at an Axis Bank branch at Sri Krishna Chowk in Sheikhpura District of Bihar on Monday, where the robbers made off with Rs 50 lakh.

According to police reports, around 12 criminals assembled outside the bank before it opened for the day.

As soon as the bank opened, the criminals entered the premises, held the bank employees at gunpoint, and proceeded to execute the robbery.

They reportedly confined the employees to a single location within the bank during the robbery.

The criminals also snatched a bag belonging to a female customer before fleeing.

Police are scrutinising CCTV footage from the bank premises to gather evidence and identify the perpetrators.

Efforts are underway to nab the robbers and recover the looted funds from them.(Agency)

Amit Shah explains how ‘swadeshi’ criminal code will ensure speedy trial and justice

New Delhi, July 1, 2024
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the country’s criminal justice system has turned completely ‘swadeshi’ after 75 years of Independence, as the British-era laws have ceased to exist with new laws coming into force.

Amit Shah, addressing a press conference on the three criminal laws, said that the new laws represent the ‘Indian ethos and soul’ and have been developed and customised as per the country’s requirements and also modern-age challenges have been factored in for ‘inclusive’ justice delivery.

Congratulating the citizens on rollout of new laws, the Home Minister said: “Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Instead of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), instead of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), there will be Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and in place Indian Evidence Act, there will be Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).”

The Home Minister listed out many positive aspects of the law and informed how ‘Nyay’ will replace ‘dand’ under the new laws and how justice delivery will get expedited.

“Earlier, only the rights of policemen were protected, under the new laws, the rights of victims and complainants will also be of paramount importance. The new laws will plug the loopholes and ensure speedy trial and speedy justice,” Amit Shah said.

Shedding light on punishment in cases against gang rape and mob lynching, the Home Minister said that the laws have been made stricter and harsher for convicts in such cases to serve as a strong deterrent.

He said that top priority has been given to laws relating to crime against women and children in the new laws.

“An entire chapter with 35 sections and 13 provisions have been added,” he said while lamenting that such laws were being introduced after 75 years of Independence.

He informed that gang rape will invite harsher punishment i.e. 20 years jail term of life imprisonment, rape of a minor will attract the death penalty while sexual exploitation of the victim by hiding one’s identity or making fake promises will be treated as a separate crime.

Complainants can file FIR online too, while provisions have been made to record the statement of rape survivors from home which will save them from embarrassment.

“There was no law against mob lynching, now it will invite strict punishment ranging from seven years imprisonment to life imprisonment,” said the Home Minister.

The Home Minister also impressed upon the deadlines introduced into the criminal justice system for speedy trial and justice.

Case filing in three days, investigative report in 60 days, charge sheet filing in 90 days are some of the key thrusts of new criminal laws which are likely to expedite the justice delivery mechanism while ensuring that the cases are done away with in a limited and time-bound manner.

Videography has also been made compulsory during police raids and seizure exercises to ensure that cops don’t go overboard and resort to excesses in such situations.(Agency)

PAU honoured with prestigious ‘Innovator in Wheat and Wheat Products Research Award’

Ludhiana, July 1, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

The Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS), established in 1988, has awarded Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) the esteemed ‘Innovator in Wheat and Wheat Products Research Award’ for 2023-24.

Dr. Achla Sharma, Principal Wheat Breeder at PAU, received the award on behalf of the university during the Inaugural Session of the conclave held on June 27-28, 2024, at Hotel Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.

Giving details about the achievement, Dr Sharma said that PAU’s innovative methods and unwavering commitment to breeding speciality wheat, such as PBW RS1, PBW Zinc2, PBW 1 Chapati, and PBW 1Zn, have significantly advanced agricultural research and development.

“These efforts have not only set new standards in wheat research but also greatly benefited consumers and the farming community in India, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable practices”, she stated.

PAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, expressing his delight, said that PAU is deeply honoured to receive this accolade, which recognizes the university’s exceptional contributions to wheat research.

University Deans, Directors, and other university officials congratulated the wheat breeding team for their dedication and hard work in achieving this honour. Dr. Gosal also extended his best wishes for their future research endeavours.

97.87 pc of ₹2000 banknotes have now been returned: RBI

Mumbai, July 1, 2024
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday said that 97.87 per cent of the ₹2000 banknotes that were in circulation as of May 19, 2023, when their withdrawal was announced, have now been returned.

The total value of ₹2000 banknotes in circulation has declined to ₹7581 crore at the close of business on June 28, 2024, from ₹3.56 lakh crore at the close of business on May 19, 2023, according to the RBI’s latest update.

The facility for the exchange of the ₹2000 banknotes has been made available at the 19 Issue Offices of the Reserve Bank 1 since May 19, 2023.

From October 9, 2023, RBI Issue Offices are also accepting ₹2000 banknotes from individuals/entities for deposit into their bank accounts.

Further, members of the public are sending ₹2000 banknotes through India Post from any post office within the country to any of the RBI Issue Offices for credit to their bank accounts.

The ₹2000 banknotes continue to be legal tender.(Agency)

IOA president thanks OCA for including yoga in Asian Games

New Delhi, July, 2024
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha thanked the Olympic Council of Asia’s Executive Board (EB) for readily agreeing to her proposal to include Yoga, the ancient Indian discipline that foster physical and mental health, in the Asian Games programme.

She said OCA president Raja Randhir Singh had informed her about the decision and thanked him for his unflinching support for the proposal to make Yoga a competitive sport in the Asian Games. “I am delighted that the OCA Executive Board spontaneously agreed to India’s request to give Yoga the recognition that it deserves.

The proposal shall now move through the Sports. Committee to the General Assembly for confirmation,” she said.

Usha said it was a natural step for the competitive sports community to embrace Yoga, especially after the world had taken to it thanks to the Hon’ble. PM Narendra Modi’s vision and initiatives. “It has a universal appeal and people around the world have embraced Yoga and drawn benefits,” she said.

She also thanked the Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for his push ahead of the OCA meeting. “When we make a collective effort, led by the PM himself, we can achieve success seamlessly. I am glad India’s effort to have Yoga included in the biggest celebrations of sport is finding resonance,” said the IOA president.(Agency)

CII, Nasscom join hands to digitally skill 1 lakh non-IT professionals in 2 years

New Delhi, July 1, 2024
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Nassom on Monday joined hands to provide digital skills to youth in sectors other than IT, with an aim to reskill and upskill 1 lakh youth in the coming two years.

Seven target sectors have been identified to begin with, including banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, green jobs, hospitality and live sciences, the top industry chambers said in a statement.

“Our partnership will equip non-IT professionals with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age,” said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII.

“CII will leverage its over 10,000 direct corporate members and over 3 lakh enterprises from affiliated national and regional sectoral industry associations to facilitate digital re-skilling and up-skilling,” Banerjee added.

The initiative will also help build digital fluency on emerging technologies by providing micro-learning content. Both free and paid competency programmes including foundation and deep skilling courses in emerging technology areas will be implemented.

“For India to continue its global competitive advantage, we must ensure our workforce is equipped with future-ready skills for the digital era,” said Debjani Ghosh, President, Nasscom.

The agreement aims to build a digital learning culture through the mass dissemination of cross-sectoral digital content.

The intervention would equip working professionals from non-IT sectors to be updated with key trends and challenges in the evolving digital ecosystem and help them make their organisations more relevant and productive.

CII recently launched its 12th Centre of Excellence on skills, which will impact 10 million youth over the next five years through the scaling up of its on-ground skill initiatives.(Agency)

Istri Akali Dal expresses complete faith in leadership of Sukhbir Badal

Chandigarh, July 1, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

The Istri Akali Dal today expressed complete faith in the leadership of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and said he was best suited to lead the party at this juncture.

The entire rank and file of the Istri Akali Dal said party president Sukhbir Badal had provided inspiring leadership to lead an effective campaign in the form of the Punjab Bachao Yatra.

The members said the Istri Akali Dal had reached out to the women and a concerted effort in Bathinda by its president Hargobind Kaur had paid dividends with party candidate Harsimrat Kaur Badal winning the seat with a handsome margin.

Speaking on the occasion, the SAD president said the party had chalked out a plan to expand the Istri Akali Dal and ensure it reached every village and booth in the State.

“We have decided to ensure the election of booth, village, circle and constituency level Committees headed by their respective presidents. We will also ensure election of district level committees of the Istri Akali Dal”.

Mr Sukhbir Badal said the party would also create an effective women leadership in the party so that strong candidates could be fielded for block samiti and zila parishad polls for seats reserved for women candidates.

“I am confident the Istri Akali Dal will play an important role in the 2027 assembly election in the State”, he added.

Mr Badal also condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for dismissing Bibi Hargobind Kaur from service on flimsy grounds because she was galvanizing women to hold the AAP government accountable for discriminating against the poor and scheduled caste community.

“The SAD stands with Bibi ji and will contest her case and ensure justice is done to her”.

Manit Joura talks about his bond with ‘bade bhaiya’ Shabir Ahluwalia: ‘Learned countless things from him’

Mumbai, July 1, 2024
Actor Manit Joura holds a deep sense of respect and adulation for his ‘Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan’ co-star Shabir Ahluwalia, as they share a very close bond.

Though Manit’s character Yug and Shabir’s character Mohan do not get along with each other on the show, their off-screen bond has grown stronger through daily collaboration and mutual learning.

The duo are often seen chatting between shots and discussing topics like movies, food, and family. Manit has always looked up to Shabir, frequently seeking his advice on various matters.

Speaking about the same, Manit said: “Working with Shabir bhai is something that I always look forward to no matter how many times I share the screen with him. He is a gem of a person, and I see him as my ‘Bade Bhaiya’.”

“He is indeed a very fun person to be around, once you get to know him, you will only have love and respect for him. People often ask me why I call him ‘bhai’ and my response to that is that he is one of the few people from whom I have learned countless things and still do, all I have is pure admiration for him.

From laughing together between shots to rehearsing our scenes together, I cherish our bond a lot,” shared Manit, who is known for his work in ‘Ram Milaayi Jodi’.

Their camaraderie not only brightens the show’s set, but also demonstrates that genuine friendships can flourish in competitive environments.

The show features Neeharika Roy as Radha.

‘Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan’ airs on Zee TV.

On the professional front, Manit has been a part of TV shows like ’12/24 Karol Bagh’, ‘Adaalat’, ‘Mujhse Kuchh Kehti…Yeh Khamoshiyaan’, ‘SuperCops Vs SuperVillains’, ‘Kundali Bhagya’, ‘Kumkum Bhagya’, ‘Prem Bandhan’, and ‘Naagin 6’.

He has also featured in the web series like ‘The Test Case’, and ‘Baarish’.(Agency)

Six injured in shootout at SP leader’s residence in Varanasi

Varanasi (UP), July 1, 2024
Six people including a six-year-old child were injured in a shooting at the residence of Samajwadi Party leader and former corporator Vijay Yadav in Varanasi.

The incident took place in the Dashashavmedh area on Sunday, the police said.

The police stated that the SP leader claimed in his complaint that the attack was intended to murder his entire family.

An FIR has been registered against the accused individuals, namely Ankit Yadav, Shobhit Verma, Govind Yadav, Sahil Yadav and other unidentified persons.

The injured individuals include Nirbhay Yadav (6), Kiran Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Dinesh Yadav and Shubham alias Golu. All of them are currently being treated at a hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

Varanasi police commissioner Mohit Agarwal has suspended Rakesh Pal, the in-charge (SI) of the Dashashavmedh police station.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pramod Kumar stated that efforts are being made to apprehend the accused, and actions under the Uttar Pradesh Gangs and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act and National Security Act will be pursued against them.(Agency)

Ongoing projects for welfare of Scheduled Castes to be completed soon: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, July 1, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively working towards the welfare of Scheduled Castes.

The state government has issued a sanction to incur the remaining funds for various ongoing projects aimed at their welfare for the current financial year 2024-25. This was revealed by Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Justice and Minorities, during a press release.

Divulging in this regrads, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the grant-in-aid component of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana, the action plan for the year 2022-23 for Punjab was approved by the central government.

To complete these projects in the year 2023-24, a total of Rs 17.24 crore was sanctioned, enabling the completion of both district-level and state-level projects.

Dr. Kaur explained that the sanctioned Rs 17.24 crore had been drawing limit fixed during 2023-24.

She elaborated that out of the sanctioned Rs 17.24 crore, Rs 1.69 crore was allocated for development projects in Bathinda. Of this amount, Rs 0.84 crore was spent during the last financial year, with the remaining Rs 0.85 crore now approved to incur in the current year 2024-25.

Minister explained that for the ongoing development projects in Faridkot district, Rs 0.61 crore was sanctioned. Out of this, Rs 0.16 crore was spent during the last financial year and the balance of Rs 0.45 crore is now approved to incur in the current financial year.

Similarly, Rs 1.29 crore was allocated for Kapurthala district, with Rs 0.20 crore spent last year, and the remaining Rs 1.09 crore now sanctioned for this year.

She stated that in Ludhiana district, Rs 2.30 crore was sanctioned, of which Rs 0.66 crore was spent last year.

The remaining Rs 1.64 crore is now available for the current financial year. For Moga district, Rs 1.32 crore was allocated, with Rs 0.34 crore spent last year and the remaining Rs 0.98 crore now sanctioned for expenditure this year.

Dr. Kaur further mentioned that out of Rs 8.28 crore allocated for state-level projects, Rs 5.59 crore has been spent, and Rs 2.69 crore is now available for the current financial year.

The progress of the projects and details of the beneficiaries will be uploaded by the district-level implementing agencies on the web portal pmajay.dosje.gov.in.

The Minister emphasized that the Punjab government has issued the necessary letter regarding the expenditure limits for the completion of both state-level and district-level projects.

She said that concerned authorities have been instructed to ensure the completion of these projects within the stipulated timeframe. Any irregularities found during the completion of these projects will attract strict action against those responsible.