HARIDWAR: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated a state-level exhibition on “Nootan Nyaya Sanhita” organised by the Uttarakhand government at Bairagi Camp in Haridwar. The exhibition aims to spread awareness and highlight the effective implementation of the new criminal laws introduced by the Government of India, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).The exhibition has been organised to familiarise citizens, advocates, police personnel, prosecution officers, and other stakeholders with the modern criminal justice system. Key provisions of the new laws are being presented through simple, visual, and interactive formats. These include mandatory time-bound investigation and filing of charge sheets, the provision of Zero FIR and e-FIR, compulsory forensic investigation in crimes punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment, recognition of electronic and digital evidence, and stronger legal provisions for crimes against women and children.It is noteworthy that Uttarakhand has ranked first in the country in the effective implementation of the new laws, such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 9 March.Earlier in the day, Shah also inaugurated a development exhibition at Bairagi Camp in Haridwar, showcasing the achievements of the Uttarakhand government. He visited various stalls and reviewed the exhibits highlighting the state’s progress.The exhibition is based on the development initiatives undertaken by the state government over the past four years under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. It highlights major works related to infrastructure development, strengthening of road connectivity, expansion of healthcare services, reforms in the education sector, investment promotion, tourism development, preservation of religious and cultural heritage, and development of border areas.Several important and historic decisions taken by the state government have also been showcased as part of the exhibition.

On the eve of International Women’s Day, India’s growing push towards women’s financial empowerment is drawing attention to the changing role of women in the country’s economy. From gaining access to skill training, and hands on support to run small enterprises to operating agricultural drones, women are increasingly stepping into new financial roles and becoming active participants in India’s development story. Backed by a series of government initiatives over the past decade, more women across rural and urban India are gaining access to savings, credit, skills and markets, helping them build independent livelihoods and support their families. From savings schemes for the girl child to credit support, self-help groups (SHGs), entrepreneurship programmes and technology-driven livelihoods, policy efforts have focused on bringing more women into the economic mainstream and ensuring inclusive growth where no woman is left behind.One of the key initiatives supporting financial security for girls is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. The savings scheme allows families to invest for a girl child’s education and future, offering an interest rate of 8.2% per annum along with tax benefits. According to government data, deposits under the scheme have crossed Rs 3.33 lakh crore as of December 2025. In rural areas, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has brought together more than 10 crore women into self-help groups (SHGs), providing access to credit, skill training and livelihood opportunities. The network has become one of the world’s largest women-led community platforms, with repayment rates above 98%. Technology is also being introduced to expand income opportunities. Under the NaMo Drone Didi initiative, women from SHGs are being trained to operate agricultural drones used for spraying fertilisers and pesticides, enabling them to earn through drone rental services while promoting precision farming. Entrepreneurship initiatives are also gaining ground. Programmes such as the Lakhpati Didi campaign aim to help women SHG members achieve annual household incomes exceeding Rs 1 lakh through sustainable enterprises. Meanwhile, the Government e-Marketplace’s Womaniya initiative is enabling women-led businesses to supply goods and services directly to government buyers. Complementing these efforts are financial inclusion schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and Stand-Up India, which provide banking access and collateral-free loans for women entrepreneurs.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (ANI photo)

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of having “betrayed the country” by entering into a trade agreement with the United States, claiming the deal would adversely affect farmers and small businesses in India.Gandhi made the remarks while inaugurating the valedictory function of the state-wide “Puthuyuga Yatra” led by Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan.

“PM has let the country down. He betrayed the country. I believe the Prime Minister betrayed the country by signing the US deal,” Gandhi said.He alleged that ordinary citizens, particularly farmers and small business owners, would ultimately bear the burden of the agreement.“No Prime Minister before him opened Indian agriculture to US agriculture,” he said.Rahul said the entry of large and mechanised American agricultural corporations into the Indian market would put small farmers under severe pressure and could lead to “devastation” in the agricultural sector.He further alleged that the country’s energy sector had been compromised and claimed that US President Donald Trump had obtained Indian data through the agreement.The Congress leader also alleged that Modi was controlled by Trump, adding that the chief minister of Kerala was similarly controlled by Modi.During his address, Gandhi briefly referred to cricketer Sanju Samson, saying it was encouraging to know that the star wicketkeeper-batsman who featured in the T20 World Cup quarter-final comes from Thiruvananthapuram.The yatra, which began a month ago as part of the party’s campaign ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, travelled across all districts of Kerala.Several leaders attended the event, including KPCC and AICC members such as Sachin Pilot and Deepa Dasmunshi, along with other leaders from the UDF alliance.Addressing the gathering, Satheesan described the yatra as the most meaningful experience of his political life.He said the UDF had presented a “charge sheet” against the LDF government during the course of the march.“Wherever the LDF government failed, the UDF will elevate the state,” he said.Satheesan added that the yatra helped the alliance gather public feedback from across the state, which would be used in shaping policies for Kerala’s future development.He said the UDF intended to introduce a “neo-Kerala model” focused on good governance and solutions to the problems faced by ordinary citizens.“The Kerala government secretariat will be made the most efficient in the country,” he said.Satheesan also promised greater accountability in governance and reforms in key sectors including health, education and employment.He added that specific initiatives would be undertaken to address the challenges faced by poorer sections of society.Expressing confidence about the upcoming Assembly elections, Satheesan said the UDF would return to power.“UDF will come to power winning more than 100 seats,” he said.

Here are the top 5 stories of the day

EAM Jaishankar on India’s rescue of Iranian ships

External affairs minister S Jaishankar, in India’s first official response to the US Navy’s sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, said Tehran had sought permission for another vessel to dock in Kochi due to technical issues. The request was approved on March 1, while the IRIS Dena, near Sri Lanka, was caught “on the wrong side of events.”Read the full story

Why US ‘agreed to let’ India resume buying Russian oil temporarily

The US has temporarily allowed India to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea to stabilise global supply amid West Asia tensions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “The Indians had been very good actors. We had asked them to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil this fall. They did. They were going to substitute it with US oil,” he said.He added Washington might consider lifting restrictions on additional Russian oil if market conditions remain strained.Read the full story

Flight operations disrupted as Iranian drone strikes Dubai International Airport’s runway

Flight operations at Dubai International Airport were suspended after an aerial interception linked to Iranian attacks, with witnesses reporting a loud explosion and smoke near a terminal. Authorities said debris from a successful interception caused only a minor incident and no injuries, but planes were held in the air and Emirates halted all flights to and from Dubai, urging passengers to avoid the airport.Read the full story

UP headmistress suspended after getting foot massage from students

Madhu Rai, headmistress of a government primary school in Naya Bazar, Karbi, Chitrakoot, was suspended after a 23‑second video surfaced showing her lying on a classroom floor while a Class V student massaged her feet during school hours. Basic Siksha Adhikari BK Sharma ordered action after students alleged such massages were routine, though Rai, nearing retirement, says the video was AI‑manipulated.Read the full story

Ex-India batter urges India to drop Abhishek Sharma for T20 World Cup final

With India set to face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad, Mohammad Kaif has called for a “bold” change, suggesting Abhishek Sharma be rested after a poor tournament. The opener has crossed 50 just once, repeatedly falling to spin, while a pre-tournament stomach infection, weight loss, dropped catches and diminished power have further underlined his struggles.Read the full story

Iranian Navy’s IRIS Lavan that took part in Milan, IFR 2026 safely docked in Kochi (ANI)

NEW DELHI: Iran on Saturday expressed gratitude to India for providing a safe harbour to its naval vessel IRIS Lavan, which docked at Kochi port for technical and logistical arrangements following an incident involving another Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean amid the Islamic Republic’s rapidly escalating conflict with the United States and Israel.Also Read | Before Dena, India let another Iran ship with 183 crew dock in Kochi In the early hours of Wednesday, a US Navy submarine fired a torpedo at IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka, sinking the frigate. Of the estimated 180 crew members, around 87 are reported dead, while about 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy. “Following the tragic incident involving IRIS Dena, the Islamic Republic of Iran is continuing to follow up on the situation of the crew members and to examine the different aspects of this incident,” Iranian ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, told news agency ANI. He added, “In this context, another Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, has docked at the port of Kochi to carry out technical and logistical arrangements. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Government of India and the local authorities for their cooperation and humanitarian approach in facilitating the docking of this vessel and supporting its crew.”Also Read | ‘Will bitterly regret’: Iran warns US after IRIS Dena, ‘Indian Navy’s guest’, sunk by torpedo Highlighting the coordination between the two countries, the envoy noted that the assistance provided by Indian authorities during the situation reflects the longstanding friendly relations between them. He further voiced confidence that the historic and constructive ties between Tehran and New Delhi would continue to strengthen in the future. According to government officials, IRIS Lavan had participated in the International Fleet Review 2026 and was present in the region as part of the Iranian naval deployment for the multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026, held between February 15 and 25 in Visakhapatnam.Also Read | ‘Wanted to come into our port’: EAM Jaishankar on India’s rescue of Iranian shipsThey added that New Delhi had been approached by Tehran days before the sinking of IRIS Dena, requesting urgent docking support due to technical issues. The request, received on February 28, indicated that Kochi was necessary as the ship faced mechanical problems. Approval came on March 1, and IRIS Lavan subsequently docked on Wednesday. Its crew members, reportedly totalling 183 personnel, are currently staying at naval facilities in the Keralam city. The developments come amid escalating tensions in West Asia following a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. In response, Tehran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and assets, and Israel.

NEW DELHI: Is the BJP converting Raj Bhavans into “war rooms”? Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress thinks so, especially after the Centre’s move to shift Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal. Appointment and transfer of governors is a routine administrative decision, but when the change involves poll-bound states, allegations of political motives driving the decision is a given. Ironically, the ruling BJP has high stakes in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, states which go to polls in some months. In West Bengal, the BJP is going all out to oust Mamata-led Trinamool Congress government, while in Tamil Nadu, the saffron party has played a key role in stitching anti-DMK coalition alongwith its ally the AIADMK.Why has R N Ravi’s transfer evoked strong reactions?RN Ravi’s tenure in Tamil Nadu has been eventful. As the governor of the state, Ravi, a former deputy national security adviser, was frequently locked in public battles with the M K Stalin-led DMK government over different issues. Little wonder the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has reacted to this change with alarm. DMK MP P Wilson’s reaction sums it all up: “I am sad on two counts-firstly that DMK is losing a star campaigner in the upcoming elections. R N Ravi was a constant reminder of the BJP’s intentions with Tamil Nadu. Secondly, I am sad for the people of West Bengal and my good friends at the All India Trinamool Congress. Wherever he (R N Ravi) goes, the casualty is the Constitution, federal structure and parliamentary democracy,” the DMK’s Rajya Sabha member wrote on X.Senior political analyst R Kannan welcomed the transfer of R N Ravi. “He was on a stiff confrontational course with the state government and some things that he insisted on like playing the national anthem at the beginning of the assembly session were completely off. Some things like the inadequacy of college teachers were apt. A mixed performance but welcome departure,” he said.The Trinamool leaders have been quick to attack the BJP for this “unilateral decision.” TMC’s deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Sagarika Ghose alleged: “By unilaterally appointing a new governor for Bengal, the Modi government again displays its contempt for constitutional federalism. Raj Bhavans becoming BJP war rooms.” Why DMK MP called RN Ravi party’s star campaignerR N Ravi, who took charge as the 26th governor of Tamil Nadu in 2021, a few months after the DMK govt led by M K Stalin assumed office, had a tumultuous tenure in the state marked by recurrent confrontations with the state govt. Ravi walked out of the assembly without delivering the customary address for the fourth consecutive time this year, alleging disrespect for the national anthem. The governor sat on several bills passed by the assembly prompting the state government to move the Supreme Court. There were differences over the appointment of vice-chancellors leading to a situation where 14 out of 22 universities in the state were without a head for periods ranging from one to three years.Then there were policy-driven fights like over the National Education Policy.And while all these issues impacted the ruling DMK, what the BJP and its ally the AIADMK perhaps would have been worried about is the many confrontations that RN Ravi had with the state government over his remarks on Dravidian ideology and its icons. That perhaps explains why MP P Wilson said that DMK had lost a star campaigner. Perhaps, not just the DMK, but also the AIADMK would be relieved with this change.Why is the Trinamool worriedFor the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, confrontation with governors has been a part of its politics for long. It started with Jagdeep Dhankar, who as governor of West Bengal had frequent run-ins with the Mamata government. Then came C V Ananda Bose. After a brief period of bonhomie, his tenure was also filled with confrontations over various issues. Now, with R N Ravi and his track record of confrontations with the DMK government, the Trinamool Congress would be ready for another round of turbulence. The BJP, as expected, has welcomed Ravi’s appointment. Senior West Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh made an interesting remark when he said that the change in Governor should not automatically be interpreted as a step towards the imposition of President’s Rule even while suggesting that the situation in the state could lead to such an outcome if conditions worsen.“New Governor is coming, and we welcome him. We are happy that an IPS officer is taking the position of Governor. The law and order situation in Bengal is in a very poor state, and we hope it will improve under his supervision,” Ghosh told news agency IANS.“If President’s Rule is to be imposed in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee cannot stop it. But if the Governor is changed, it does not necessarily mean that President’s Rule has been imposed. However, because of their attitude, President’s Rule could happen. The way the SIR process has been disturbed and delayed, and the lack of cooperation from their employees has led to violence,” he said.The remarks partially explain why the Trinamool has reacted aggressively to the new appointment. Already, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that outgoing governor Bose may have been pressured by Union home minister Amit Shah to “serve certain political interests” ahead of the assembly polls.Can governor act independently of elected state governmentThe Constitution grants dual roles to the governor. The governor is the executive head of a state (Article 154) and also the constitutional representative of the Centre. They act as the nominal head, normally acting on the advice of the chief minister and the council of ministers (Article 163), but they possess discretionary powers.Article 163 reads: “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.” Clearly, the governor has discretionary powers. Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert Gyanant Singh says “There is no doubt that the governor has powers to act independently of the state government under certain circumstances. However, this power should not be misused as is happening in recent times.”“If you look at the text of the oath of office which a governor takes, it is different from that of the political executive or even judges, including the Chief Justice of India, in so far it says the governor will act to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law,” Gyanant Singh says.The oath is similar to that of the President. Whereas for the political executive and judges of the Supreme Court, the oath talks of bearing “true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India” and not “preserve, protect and defend the Consitution.” The Consitution bestows this special responsibility on the Governor but problem arises when his actions are politically motivated and against the spirit of the Constitution.The oath of office of Union ministers reads: “That I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties as a Minister for the Union and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”Clearly, the Constitution gives the governor discretionary powers. But when this discretion appears to favour the party ruling at the Centre, it leads to political controversy and allegations of misuse of the post. The state governments have always demanded a say in the appointment of governors. The Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions have made recommendations to this effect. But clearly no political party has the will to implement these recommendations. So, this political tussle is unlikely to end any time soon.

DEHRADUN (UTTARAKHAND): Marking a historic milestone in the modernization of India’s judicial and law-enforcement system, Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the national implementation of the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0, according to data up to January 2026.This remarkable achievement reflects the visionary guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and his commitment to building a technology-driven justice system.According to the latest CCTNS/ICJS Progress Dashboard of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Uttarakhand has ranked first at the national level with an outstanding score of 93.46. The performance of the top five states in the national ranking has been highly commendable: Uttarakhand leads with 93.46, followed by Haryana with 93.41, Assam with 93.16, Sikkim with 91.82, and Madhya Pradesh with 90.55.Uttarakhand’s success is the result of the effective leadership and continuous monitoring by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. To ensure the implementation of the new laws–Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)–on the ground, the Chief Minister personally took charge.CM Dhami held continuous review meetings with senior government officials as well as field officers at the district level. This top-to-bottom monitoring helped in resolving technical challenges in time and enabled the police department to successfully adapt to the new legal framework.The foundation of this achievement lies in the “One Data, One Entry” mechanism under ICJS 2.0. Through this system, seamless data flow has been ensured among Police (CCTNS), e-Courts, e-Prisons, e-Prosecution, and e-Forensics. Once data is entered, it becomes instantly available to all concerned departments, reducing paperwork and accelerating the disposal of cases.To ensure transparency, videography of crime scenes and secure storage of digital evidence have been made mandatory through the “e-Sakshya” app.More than 23,000 police personnel in the state have been given intensive training on the provisions of the new laws. Facilities such as virtual court hearings through “Nyaya Shruti” and the availability of forensic mobile vans have been prioritized for technological strengthening.Confirming the ranking, Uttarakhand Police spokesperson and Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law and Order) Sunil Kumar Meena stated that the state has set a record not only in implementing the technological infrastructure but also in real-time data entry.Union home minister Amit Shah has specifically appreciated Uttarakhand’s efficiency in the “One Data, One Entry” system during high-level meetings. With this coordination and commitment, Uttarakhand has emerged as an ideal model of “smart policing” for the country, reflecting the visionary guidance of the Union home minister and his commitment to building a technology-driven justice system.