“Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be notifying today, the Rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). These rules, called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 will enable the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for grant of Indian citizenship,” the Ministry of Home Aaffairs said, in a post on X.

The new law, which introduces religion as the sixth criteria to acquire citizenship in India, would benefit persecuted non-Muslim migrants – Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhist, Parsis, Christians – from three of its neighbouring countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. It would cover those who had migrated to India before December 31, 2014. The CAA will also be helpful for refugees from these neighbouring countries, who don’t have documents.

Until now, citizenship was regulated by the Citizenship Act, 1955, which specified five criteria for acquiring citizenship in India– by birth in India, by descent, through registration, by naturalisation (extended residence in India), and by incorporation of territory into India.

The notification comes a month after Union Home Minister Amit Shah had stressed that CAA would be implemented before the Lok Sabha elections this year. “CAA will come into effect before the election and nobody should be confused about this,” Shah had said at an event in Delhi.

The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by Parliament in December 2019. It was also an integral part of BJP’s 2019 manifesto.

Reacting to the announcement, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “It has taken four years and three months for the Modi Government to notify the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act that was passed by the Parliament in December 2019. The Prime Minister claims that his Government works in a business-like and time-bound manner. The time taken to notify the rules for the CAA is yet another demonstration of the Prime Minister’s blatant lies.”

“Today’s event is also a recognition of how rapidly the work culture has changed in our country over the years. The earlier governments were not interested in completing the projects on time. Whereas our government has ensured rapidly completion of all projects for which foundation is laid. After 2014, the projects which were stuck and lost in the country, have completed as was the case with Paradip Refinery project, which had been pending since 2002,” the PM said.

Highlighting the inauguration and foundation stone laying of mega development projects in the sectors of petroleum, natural gas, atomic energy, roadways, railways and connectivity, the Prime Minister said that it will boost industrial activities in the region and create new employment opportunities.

He also spoke about the 344 km-long product pipeline traversing from Paradip in Odisha to Haldia in West Bengal which was launched on the day. He also mentioned inaugurating the Paradip-Hyderabad Pipeline in Sangareddy, Telangana, on Monday and the 500 km long crude oil pipeline from Haldia to Barauni in Arambagh, West Bengal three days ago.

Major projects are underway for the supply of the natural gas in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha under the Urja Ganaga Yojana, he said.

PM Modi said that Indian Oil Corporation Limited Mono Ethylene Glycol project will revolutionise the polyester industry in eastern India and also help the textile parks in Bhadrak and Paradip get raw materials easily.

In the last 10 years, over 3000 km national highway have been laid while the railway budget has been increased by 12 times. “The central government is focussing on modern connectivity in Odisha so that local resources increase the economy of the state. To improve rail-highway-port connectivity, national highways are being expanded in Jajpur, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Khurda, Ganjam, Puri and Keonjhar,” he said.

The PM further said that the 5 MLD capacity seawater desalination plant at Odisha Sands Complex of IREL(I) Ltd in Ganjam district will treat almost 50 lakh litres of saline water everyday and make it suitable for drinking.

Besides inaugurating several highway projects, he also flagged off a new train between Puri and Anand Vihar (New Delhi) via Keonjhar station and first passenger train service on Haridaspur–Paradip rail route.

Earlier in his speech, the CM praised for having accelerated India’s economy. “The Prime Minister has given new growth trajectory to the Indian economy, which is going to be the third largest economy. I would request the PM’s cooperation for Odisha’s development.”

He also thanked the PM for launch of various projects for Odisha. “Odisha will soon become a major manufacturing hub of East India. The state has witnessed transformation in infrastructure development. It ranks second in the country in terms of investment,” he said.

Naveen also mentioned the ongoing renovation and beautification of Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur. “With the blessings of the Lord and the good wishes and cooperation of crores of Jagannath lovers, the Srimandir Parikrama Project and Samlei Project have already been inaugurated,” he said.

“While development has given Odisha a new identity, there is lot more that needs to be done. And therefore, I seek the support of the Prime Minister in the endeavour of 4.5 crore people of Odisha,” he added.

The CM also presented a painting of the Lord and His siblings to the Prime Minister. Both the leaders also remember legendary leader Biju Patnaik on his 108th birth anniversary. Governor Raghubar Das, and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Bishweswar Tudu were also present on the occasion.

PROJECTS DEDICATED TO THE NATION

• Bansapani-Daitarl-Tomka-Jakhapura Rail Line (162 km)
• 6-laning of Tangl-Bhubaneswar Section of NH-16 for 56.788 km
• 4-laning of Singhara-Binjhabahal Section of NH-49 for 104.176 km
• 4-laning of Balasore-Jharpokharia Section of NH-18 for 81.26 km
• 4-laning of Binjabahal-Teleibani Section of NH-49 for 78.318 km
• Khurda Road-Barang 3rd Rail Line (32.34 KM)
• 5 Million Litres per day capacity seawater desalination plant at Ganjam

INAUGURATED

• IOCL’s mono ethylene glycol project in Paradip Refinery
• Indian Oil’s Paradip-Somnathpur-Haldia Product Pipeline
• 0.6 MMTPA LPG import facility at Paradip
• CONCOR container depot in Kalinga Nagar

FOUNDATION STONES LAID:

• 8-laning of Chandikhol-Paradip Section of NH-53 for 77 km
• Electric Loco Periodical Overhauling Workshop at Norla
• 4L+PS/2L+PS from km 0.000 to 35.800 of (Kuakhla-Mangalpur Section) of NH 20
• Wagon Periodical Overhaullng Workshop at Kantabanjl
• Wagon maintenance facilities at Baghuapal

FLAGGED OFF:

• New train between Puri-Anand Vihar terminal from Keonjhar railway station
• New train between Paradip- Keonjhar from Paradip staion
• Container train from MMLP Jajpur to ICD Dadri, Uttar Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will once again contest from Varanasi, from where he won in 2014 and 2019. The list, which includes 34 Union ministers and two former chief ministers, features Union Home Minister Amit Shah from Gujarat’s Gandhinagar.

Two other Union ministers will contest in Kerala — Rajeev Chandrasekhar from Thiruvananthapuram and V Muraleedharan from Attingal.

An interesting choice is that of the late Sushma Swaraj’s daughter Basuri Swaraj from New Delhi, replacing Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi. Former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be BJP’s candidate from Vidisha constituency, while ex-Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb will seek to be elected from Tripura West.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will contest from Kota in Rajasthan. Two other prominent candidates from Rajasthan are Union ministers Bhupender Yadav (Alwar) and Gajendra Shekhawat (Jodhpur). There are 28 women candidates, 47 youth, 27 from Scheduled Caste, 18 from Scheduled Tribes and 57 OBC candidates in BJP’s first list.

The President left for Jharsuguda from Bhubaneswar in the morning and then proceeded to Rairakhol where she was welcomed by Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Murmu, accompanied by Dharmendra, offered floral tributes to Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi, the 19th-century saint, poet, and social reformer of the state. She paid homage to the legendary poet and saint at his statue.

The President visited the Chausathi Siddhi Ashram and had a brief discussion with the saints. She enquired about the old trees in the ashram. She planted saplings in the ashram.

The saints of the ashram presented a photo of Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi and a book to the President. Murmu addressed Madhupur residents and distributed chocolates among the children.

The president is also scheduled to attend several other programmes in Sambalpur on the concluding day of her Odisha visit. She is also slated to be accorded a civic reception. Murmu is slated to meet the followers of Mahima Cult at Mini Stadium in Sambalpur before returning to New Delhi in the afternoon.

The President had arrived at Khiching of Mayurbhanj district on Wednesday afternoon on her four-day visit to the state. Murmu attended a slew of events in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Berhampur, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar during her visit to the state.

The Court ruled that all diplomas and degrees, whether undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D., introduced without specific approval for new courses or through distance education, except those existing at the time of obtaining deemed university status, are now considered invalid and unrecognized.

Justice Arun Monga, presiding over the bench, emphasized that the deemed universities violated regulations not only by establishing off-campus study centers but also by failing to obtain prior approval for introducing new courses and starting distance education.

The Court asserted that such violations cannot be condoned, and degrees awarded by the deemed universities are liable to be declared invalid and unrecognized.

The matter involved two private educational institutions, the Institute of Advanced Study in Education (IASE) and Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth (JRN), along with some of their students. These institutes sought recognition for degrees and diplomas awarded through distance education in various streams and courses.

Previously, the Orissa High Court had allowed a writ petition challenging the validity of an engineering degree obtained through distance mode from JRN. However, the Supreme Court, upholding the Kartar Singh v Union of India judgment, initiated a UGC inquiry into the future continuation of the deemed university status for both IASE and JRN.

The Supreme Court also ordered a CBI inquiry into the flagrant violations in awarding engineering degrees through distance education. In this context, the present matter focused on the validity of degrees and diplomas, excluding technical education, awarded through distance mode.

The petitioners argued for the recognition of degrees obtained from IASE and JRN, citing compliance with regulatory standards and the value of distance education. The respondents contended that engineering degrees awarded through distance education by these institutes were invalid.

The Court considered several questions, including whether deemed universities are governed by the provisions of the UGC Act for imparting general education, whether they can introduce new academic courses without prior UGC approval, and whether they can establish off-campus centers through franchise agreements without seeking approval.

In response, the Court held that deemed universities are subject to the UGC Act and its guidelines for general education, and they cannot introduce new courses without prior UGC approval, whether for conventional classroom education or distance mode education.

The Court declared degrees awarded in violation of these principles as invalid and unrecognized. Additionally, the court directed the UGC to conduct fresh examinations for affected students within a reasonable time.

The Court ordered both IASE and JRN to refund the entire amount charged to students enrolled in new unapproved courses, off-campus study centers without prior approval, or distance education without approval.

The decision underscores the importance of adherence to regulatory standards and the approval process in the field of education to maintain the quality and credibility of academic programs.

In a recent directive, the University Grants Commission (UGC) directed Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to use Khadi products in the process of teaching, learning, organising seminars, conferences, workshops and other events.

Universities and colleges will have to use eco-friendly khadi shawls/angavastrams, etc. to felicitate the guests/dignitaries.

“Such a practice while reaffirming our links with freedom struggle, also showcases our appreciation for our nation’s rich textile tradition. Similarly, books may also be considered for presentation on such occasions to reflect our commitment to knowledge and learning and as a way to disseminate our rich literary culture to a wider audience. Further, the incorporation of these practices would help in promoting and empowering our local artisans and also contribute to making the books of local authors accessible to a wider set of people,” UGC stated in a letter to HEIs.

The FCI plays a key role in the country’s food security system, including the procurement of foodgrains at Minimum Support Price (MSP), maintenance of strategic food grain stocks, distribution to state governments and Union Territories (UTs), and stabilisation of food grain prices in the market.

The more than two-time increase in the authorised capital is a significant step towards enhancing the operational capabilities of FCI in fulfilling its mandate effectively, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said on Saturday.

To match the gap of fund requirement, FCI resorts to cash credit, short term loans, ways & means advances, An increase of authorised capital and further infusion will reduce the interest burden, reducing the economic cost and ultimately bring down the subsidy of the government as well.

With this infusion of capital, FCI will also embark upon modernising its storage facilities, improving transportation networks, and adopting advanced technologies. These measures are essential not only for reducing post-harvest losses but also for ensuring efficient distribution of foodgrains to consumers, the ministry said.

The Government provides equity to FCI for working capital requirement and for creation of capital assets. FCI is undertaking a comprehensive initiative to create an Integrated IT system, leveraging existing internal systems (FAP, HRMS) and external systems (State procurement portals, CWC/SWC). The E-office implementation has already made FCI a less paper organisation. These initiatives of integrated IT solutions serving as the core operational software for FCI, shall provide a single source of information and streamline functions with a common digital backbone.

As a part of enhancing its efficiency, FCI is executing tasks such as cement roads, roof maintenance, illumination, and weighbridge upgrades, enhancing food security. Purchase of lab equipment and the development of a software platforms for QC labs aim to improve quality checking.

The government’s dual commitment to MSP-based procurement and investment in FCI’s operational capabilities signifies a collaborative effort towards empowering farmers, fortifying the agricultural sector, and ensuring food security for the nation, according to the ministry’s statement.

The factory was owned by a person named Vijay and was located in the Vembakottai area of the city. After the incident, police and a team from the fire department rushed to the spot and admitted the injured to a local hospital where they are getting medical treatment.

According to the police, seven people died on the spot while two succumbed to their injuries while being on their way to the hospital. The preliminary investigation suggested that the accident occurred in the chemical mixing room of the factory, police added.

Further investigation into the case is underway.

Earlier last year, eight people, including three women, were killed, and several others sustained injuries after an explosion took place at a firecracker factory in the state’s Krishnagiri.

Before giving final shape, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has sought comments from the public on the ‘Draft Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector’.

The draft guidelines have been formulated to curb misleading assertions about success rates, number of selections, etc. by those engaged in coaching who define ‘coaching’ as tuition, instructional academic support, learning programmes, or guidance provided by any individual.

The guidelines outline criteria for identifying misleading advertisements. The draft guidelines have been released weeks after the Centre tightened regulations on coaching centres. The guidelines stipulate that coaching centres can’t enrol students under 16 years of age, make deceptive assurances, or promise specific ranks or high marks.

Anyone involved in coaching will be deemed to be using misleading advertising if they employ any of the following practices:

• Failure to disclose crucial information regarding the course name (whether it’s free or paid) and the duration of the course selected by a successful candidate or any other significant details that could impact a consumer’s decision to select their services.
• Provide inaccurate assertions regarding success rates, the number of selections, or the rankings of students in any competitive examination without furnishing verifiable evidence.
• Misrepresent that students’ success is solely attributed to the coaching, without acknowledging the individual efforts of the students. Clearly delineate the extent of coaching involvement in their success.
• Generate an artificial sense of urgency or instil fear of missing out that could exacerbate anxieties among students or parents. Employ any other tactics that might deceive consumers or undermine consumer autonomy and choice.

Development of Guidelines and Accessing Procedures

• Draft guidelines available on the website of the Department of Consumer Affairs, allowing the public to submit feedback within a 30-day period ending on March 16, 2024.
• CCPA organised a stakeholder consultation on Misleading Advertisement in the Coaching Sector on January 8, 2024. The event was attended by representatives from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Education, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), National Law University (NLU) Delhi, FIITJEE, Khan Global Studies, and Ikigai Law.

During the meeting, it was unanimously agreed that the Central Consumer Protection Authority should formulate guidelines to prevent misleading advertisements in the coaching sector.

Delhi Police has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code at the Ghazipur border. It has also issued a traffic advisory, alerting commuters about restrictions on the movement of vehicles at three borders of the national capital. Traffic restrictions/diversions will be imposed at Singhu Border for commercial vehicles from Monday and for all types of vehicles from Tuesday, it said.

While the primary objective is to prevent any unauthorised gatherings between February 13 and February 15, there are concerns that similar attempts may occur thereafter, leading to the Lok Sabha election this year. On February 13, more than 200 farmers’ unions from across the country are expected to participate in the proposed ‘Delhi Chalo’ march to press the Centre to accept several demands, including enactment of a law to guarantee MSP for crops, according to reports.

“Information has been received that some farmer organisations have given a call to their supporters to gather/march to Delhi on 13th February for their demands of the law on MSP and others. They are likely to sit at the border of Delhi till their demands are met. In order to avoid any untoward incident and to maintain Law and Order, a precautionary Order of section 144 Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, is required to be issued to save the lives and property in the area,” read an order issued by Delhi Police.

Authorities are anticipating a gathering resembling the protests of 2021 and have instructed law enforcement to implement necessary measures to prevent the groups from entering Delhi. Haryana Police are also employing various tactics, including setting up diverse roadblocks, to deter the protesters. A traffic advisory has also been issued, urging people to avoid the main roads of the state unless necessary. Section 144 has been enforced in Panchkula. The Shambhu border (Punjab-Haryana) has been sealed, and BSF and RAF personnel have been deployed. The security has also been tightened near Tikri Border in West Delhi.

Delhi Police also conducted simulated exercises and evaluated their tear gas shells and launchers on Sunday, resulting in numerous complaints from residents of east Delhi about eye irritation. If farmers attempt to enter the Delhi border by crossing Haryana and Punjab in any way, the border will be sealed with cranes and containers.

On the other hand, Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Home Minister Nityanand Rai, and Piyush Goyal will be meeting the leaders of farmers’ organisations to discuss their demands later in the day, the reports added.

THE ALERT

One of the alerts issued by an agency concerning potential gatherings suggests that protesters could attempt to infiltrate Delhi before February 13 and gather near the residences of the Prime Minister, as well as those of the Home and Agriculture Ministers. Authorities anticipate that the protesters may try to enter Delhi under the cover of night, anticipating heavy security presence during the daytime.

“The protesters may reach New Delhi area in small groups by cars, two-wheelers, metro trains, trains, etc, and appear suddenly at any spot to hold snap demonstrations,” the alert warned.

“Some opposition political parties, trade unions and students’ unions may also support and join the protesters to gain mileage. Security may be upped in New Delhi, North and Central districts like Ramlila Ground, Rajghat, Red Fort, Kisan Ghat and Parliament, besides PM and HM residences, among other places of significance,” read the alert.

Farmers are anticipated to arrive in Delhi via the borders of Shambhu (Ambala), Khanori (Jind), and Dabwali (Sirsa), accompanied by their tractors/trailers, carrying ample provisions, rations, and logistical supplies for a duration of six months, sourced from different locations.

“Some farmers might start early to evade police action and arrive 2-3 days prior to February 13 and hide in prominent gurdwaras, dharamshalas, ashrams and guest houses and hold snap demonstrations. Some farmers may try to enter from remote, non-motorable borders where there is less movement to create an element of surprise. If the protesters are able to gain entry into Delhi, they may not vacate soon,” it added.