Author: colorsnews.in

Shillong, Aug 5 (IANS) Women voters have once again outnumbered their male counterparts in Meghalaya’s draft electoral rolls, which were published on Wednesday following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) B.D.R. Tiwari, explaining the details of the draft electoral lists published across all 12 districts of the state, said that as per the draft rolls, Meghalaya has a total of 21,69,243 registered voters, comprising 11,16,199 women, 10,53,039 men and five third-gender electors.

Meghalaya’s draft electoral roll has shrunk by over 1.8 lakh voters following a state-wide verification drive, with the Election Department publishing the revised rolls for all 60 Assembly constituencies under the SIR 2026. The draft roll now contains 21,69,243 electors, down from 23,49,645 before the revision.

During the enumeration phase, 1,80,402 electors (7.68 per cent of the total electorate) were identified under the Absent, Shifted, Deceased and Duplicate (ASDD) categories, the CEO said. Of these, 81,490 (3.47 per cent) were found to be deceased, 45,011 (1.92 per cent) were untraceable or absent, 42,532 (1.81 per cent) had permanently shifted, 6,701 (0.29 per cent) were already enrolled elsewhere (duplicate entries), and 4,668 (0.20 per cent) either refused to submit the Enumeration Form or fell under other categories.

Tiwari said the SIR 2026 involved an extensive house-to-house verification exercise carried out by the election machinery across the state. The exercise achieved 100 per cent distribution and digitisation of Enumeration Forms, covering all 23,49,645 electors in Meghalaya.

He noted that the publication of the draft electoral rolls marks the commencement of the statutory period of filing claims and objections, which will be from August 5, 2026 to September 4, 2026.

–IANS

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Patna, Aug 5 (IANS) Deepak Prakash, son of Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) president Upendra Kushwaha and Panchayati Raj Minister in the Bihar government, has become a member of the Bihar Legislative Council.

He was nominated to the Council under the Governor’s quota after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devesh Kumar vacated his MLC seat.

Following his son’s appointment, Upendra Kushwaha expressed gratitude to senior NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. He said the NDA had found a solution and thanked the National President, the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister for their support.

Deepak Prakash’s appointment comes amid a constitutional controversy over his continuation as a minister without being a member of either House of the Bihar Legislature.

Under Article 164(4) of the Constitution, a person appointed as a minister without being a member of the state legislature can continue in office for a maximum of six months. Within this period, the person must become a member of either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council.

Deepak Prakash was first sworn in as a minister in the Nitish Kumar-led government on November 20, 2025. His six-month period, therefore, expired in May 2026.

The controversy intensified after the formation of the new NDA government under Samrat Choudhary, with questions being raised over whether a minister could effectively receive a fresh six-month period by taking the oath again.

At the same time, the same Legislative Assembly remained in existence.

The Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the matter and issued notice to the Bihar government seeking its response.

A Public Interest Litigation filed before the court has alleged that administering the oath of office to the minister for a second time during the tenure of the same Assembly amounts to circumventing the constitutional limitation under Article 164(4).

The issue now hinges on whether the second oath can legally restart the six months prescribed by the Constitution, or whether the limitation applies continuously during the life of the existing Legislative Assembly.

For the time being, Deepak Prakash has become an MLC through nomination under the Governor’s quota. However, the constitutional questions raised in the Supreme Court petition remain pending, and the court’s eventual decision will determine the legal position surrounding his earlier ministerial tenure and reappointment.

–IANS

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Shillong, Aug 5 (IANS) In a significant step aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism, the East Khasi Hills district administration has prohibited roadside cooking and indiscriminate dumping of waste at tourist destinations, viewpoints and other public places across the district, officials said on Wednesday.

The order, issued by District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, came into immediate effect following concerns over increasing littering and environmental degradation, particularly along the heavily visited Shillong-Mawkdok-Sohra tourist corridor.

According to the district administration, the practice of cooking on roadsides using firewood, charcoal, LPG cylinders and other fuel sources has led to sanitation problems, traffic congestion and potential fire hazards.

Authorities also noted that the indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste, food leftovers, bottles, cans and other garbage has adversely impacted the natural surroundings and undermined Meghalaya’s image as a clean and responsible tourism destination.

Under the order, cooking on road shoulders, scenic viewpoints and other public spaces has been strictly prohibited. The administration has also imposed a complete ban on littering and the dumping of solid or liquid waste in forests, rivers, streams, drains, roadside areas and other public locations.

Officials said the restrictions were necessary to preserve the ecological balance of the district and maintain the cleanliness of its popular tourist attractions, which receive thousands of visitors every year.

The administration warned that anyone found violating the order would face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with other applicable provisions of law.

The prohibitory order was issued ex parte in view of the urgency of the situation and will remain in force until further directions.

Appealing for public cooperation, the district administration urged tourists, residents, tour operators and other stakeholders to adhere to the new regulations and contribute towards keeping East Khasi Hills free from litter.

Authorities said the initiative is part of broader efforts to preserve the district’s pristine environment while strengthening Meghalaya’s reputation as one of the country’s leading eco-tourism destinations.

–IANS

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Jammu, Aug 5 (IANS) The Gorkha community in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 on Wednesday amidst heightened police vigil and deployment of police and CRPF personnel.

Community members exchanged greetings, distributed sweets and hailed the day, marking the revocation of Article 370 and 35(A), as historic and futuristic, with long-standing impact.

Several members expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for ensuring that their rights, denied for decades, were restored. Many noted that earlier they lacked voting rights, their children did not have access to domicile certificates, and securing government jobs was extremely difficult.

Speaking to IANS, they thanked the Central Government for granting them eight per cent reservation.

Their celebration came against the backdrop of some political parties observing August 5 as a “Black Day.” Denouncing such moves, they said these parties aimed to push certain communities back into the darkness of discrimination.

They vowed not to let this happen and pledged continued support to the ruling dispensation, appealing to the Prime Minister to ensure such forces never regain a foothold in J&K.

Karuna Chhetri, a member of the Gorkha community, said that since Prime Minister Modi came to power, work had been carried out under the motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

She added that the revocation of Article 370 brought the community into the mainstream, granted resident status and provided eight per cent reservation under the OBC category.

“Thanks to domicile status, we are now able to access loans, enabling our youth to pursue self-employment,” she said.

Another member remarked that August 5, 2019, would always be remembered.

“We experienced double joy on this day. The revocation of Article 370 gave us our rights, while the construction of the Ram Mandir began on August 5, 2020,” he said.

Manish Adhikari stated that by revoking Article 370, the Prime Minister fulfilled Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s dream.

“The removal of Article 370 has given the Gorkha community a new identity. Before this, we had no recognition for nearly 70 years. Whenever we applied for jobs or higher education, our community was overlooked. We were labelled as outsiders despite our ancestors having lived here for 200 years. The revocation finally granted our community rights and recognition,” he said.

A local woman, Monica, said significant changes had occurred since the revocation.

“Our children’s future will now be secure and bright because we have gained recognition. They will now have access to opportunities for higher education and employment,” she said.

–IANS

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Guwahati, Aug 5 (IANS) Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Wednesday inspected the erosion-hit Jamuguri area in Lakhimpur district and directed officials to prepare a comprehensive long-term protection plan, asserting that the state government would take every necessary step to safeguard vulnerable riverbank communities from the Brahmaputra’s recurring erosion.

Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Minister visited the affected embankment at Latabari under the Bihpuria Assembly constituency to assess the damage caused by severe erosion and review the emergency measures undertaken by the Water Resources Department and the district administration.

Interacting with the media after the inspection, Mallabaruah lauded the swift response of officials and residents, saying their coordinated efforts had helped avert a major disaster.

He noted that the remarkable coordination, courage and prompt response displayed by the local people, the district administration and the Water Resources Department had helped avert a potentially major disaster.

He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Government of Assam would take every necessary measure to ensure the long-term safety of the region, assuring people that the government stood firmly with them at all times.

A portion of the embankment at Latabari developed severe erosion late on Tuesday night, while cracks also appeared at several adjoining stretches due to the Brahmaputra’s strong current. Following reports from local legislators, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to launch immediate protective measures.

Officials of the Water Resources Department, district administration and residents worked through the night in mission mode, deploying geo-bags, sand-filled bags and earth to stabilise the vulnerable sections and prevent further damage.

During the inspection, Mallabaruah instructed officials to continue emergency protection work wherever necessary and conduct a detailed technical survey of the damaged embankment and adjoining erosion-prone areas.

He also directed the department to prepare a detailed project estimate for permanent restoration and strengthening of the embankment at the earliest.

The Finance Minister noted that the area remains highly susceptible to erosion because of its proximity to the confluence of the Subansiri and Brahmaputra rivers, where strong hydraulic pressure accelerates riverbank erosion.

He asked the Water Resources Department to examine permanent structural solutions, including embankment strengthening, additional geo-bag reinforcement and other engineering interventions, and submit a detailed proposal to the state government.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) Lok Sabha MP Sambit Patra on Wednesday strongly criticised Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi for using children to spread confusion and for selectively raising issues while ignoring the plight of protesting students in Jharkhand.

Addressing the media at the BJP Central Office, Patra said it was extremely unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi was building a political narrative by involving children who had participated in the “Sansad Chalo” protest in Delhi on July 20.

He categorically stated that no firing had taken place during the protest and that it was inappropriate to create political confusion through innocent children.

“Children are the future of the nation. They belong to everyone. Whether Sharma or Khan, every child is equally the future of India; politics of dividing children based on religion will never succeed,” Patra asserted.

He clarified that his remarks were directed solely at Rahul Gandhi and not at the children present with him, and extended greetings to the young participants, urging them to remain fearless.

The BJP spokesperson accused Rahul Gandhi of following a selective approach by highlighting the Delhi protest while remaining silent on the suffering of students in Jharkhand, where Congress is in power.

Referring to a recent media report, he quoted a gold medallist student named Pratiksha from Ranchi who is battling depression and panic attacks due to examination irregularities and paper leaks in JPSC and JSSC exams.

Patra said Rahul Gandhi was conveniently ignoring these voices rising against his own party’s government.

He also rejected Rahul Gandhi’s allegations regarding the absence of the Union Home Minister in Parliament.

Patra said the Home Minister reaches the House early and often stays late, but proceedings are repeatedly disrupted by Congress MPs through uproar, placards and desk-thumping, preventing meaningful discussion.

Patra emphasised that the BJP stands with all children of the country irrespective of religion, caste or politics.

He said attempts to sow division through children are wrong and that the nation progresses only through the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday praised India for always being “a good friend” and stressed her proposed return home was a personal decision and did not involve conferring with the Indian government.

Meanwhile, Hasina’s son and former Advisor, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, joining the press meet online from the US, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his government having “shown her the utmost respect and for that I’m eternally grateful”.

“India has always been a great friend. And I know it will remain that. I want to go back to my country, to my people. It is not a government matter,” Hasina said, answering a query at a packed media conference held in Delhi.

The former Bangladesh Prime Minister reiterated her intent at returning to her country sometime in December, but remained short of specifying a date or time, while stressing that it is a personal decision and did not involve conferring with the Indian government.

Hasina is currently living in exile in India after a volatile student-led demonstration in 2024 and a subsequent death sentence awarded in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity.

“They’ve destroyed all symbols of victory, of the Liberation War. We’ve to bring it back. I want to bring back that pride,” she said, speaking from a remote location, without her being seen on the screen set up at the venue.

It was in December 1971 that the Bangladesh Liberation War ended after nine months of armed uprising against the government in West Pakistan, that led to its Independence.

Bangladesh was officially liberated on December 16, 1971, that came after years of mass atrocities, genocide, a refugee crisis, and international intervention.

“I believe in a secular democratic system, so I want to go back,” the 78-year-old former Premier said.

“In 1981, when I returned home, that time also they tried to stop me when Zia-ur-Rahman was in power. But I went (back),” Hasina said, adding that she was subsequently arrested in 1983 and that it has been happening later too.

Then-President Rahman was the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), now ruling the country, where the incumbent Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is his son.

“Anything can happen; they can kill me. Still, I have to go,” Hasina said, adding that it was the people’s support she sought.

Sajeeb Wazed, said that his mother Sheikh Hasina was being treated “very well” in India, added that Hasina’s proposed trip back home has not been discussed with Dhaka.

“We’re not in communication with the government of Bangladesh. She is doing this regardless of what the government of Bangladesh wants,” he stressed.

Hasina’s son also alleged that Bangladesh has become “another Pakistan” on India’s Eastern front where foreign intelligence agencies, “including ISI” has an “open hand” and warned of terror elements operating “openly”.

On being asked about US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor’s recent meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka and emphasising opportunities for economic cooperation and enhancing partnership, the 52-year-old politician called it a part of diplomacy.

“US’ current focus is on trade. They’’e not focused on democracy and human rights. Therefore, it is to increase trade with the US,” Sajeeb Wazed said.

When asked about Washington’s Pakistan outreach, he termed it a part of policy changes that come with a new leadership, saying that it was not the same a few years ago.

“This can all change very quickly,” he opined. Among others present in the press conference were several Awami League leaders and former Ministers.

–IANS

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Colombo/New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to Sri Lanka under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Vision MAHASAGAR’ during his official visit to the island nation on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated as he concluded his flying visit to Colombo.

This was also Misri’s first stand-alone visit to Sri Lanka as Foreign Secretary. He had visited Sri Lanka earlier as part of the delegation during the visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2025 and of Vice President C P Radhakrishnan in April 2026.

During the visit, the Foreign Secretary called on President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayaka; Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Harini Amarasuriya; and, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath. He also held discussions with Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Aruni Ranaraja. Foreign Secretary also met with Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa and had separate meetings with leaders of Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community.

During his meetings, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the ongoing cooperation on bilateral issues and projects between India and Sri Lanka.

“They expressed satisfaction at the progress registered in the implementation of various projects, including under the reconstruction package of USD 450 million, announced following cyclone Ditwah. In particular, they welcomed the conclusion of agreements on two INR-denominated Lines of Credit of USD 250 million for the railway projects and of USD 100 million for livestock and other priority requirements respectively. The agreements concluded between EXIM Bank of India and Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka were exchanged in the presence of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka by Secretary, Treasury, Government of Sri Lanka and the High Commissioner of India,” read a statement issued by the MEA at the conclusion of Misri’s visit.

“Both sides also noted that reconstruction of damaged houses and construction of permanent bridges under the Ditwah Reconstruction Package and covered under a grant of USD 100 million will commence shortly. Progress has also been registered on supply of medical equipment for a relocated Deniyaya Hospital, on which an MoU was signed on 13 July 2026, supply of medical kiosks in Sri Lanka, and supply of equipment to educational institutions across the Island. Both sides are also working towards earliest possible implementation of an Island wide disaster warning system for Sri Lanka. They also expressed satisfaction that the work on rehabilitation of Northern Railway corridor under a grant of USD 5 million has been completed and train services have resumed,” it added.

The two neighbouring countries also discussed modalities for expediting implementation of energy projects, including electricity grid interconnection project, Sampur solar power project and development of Trincomalee as an energy hub. They also agreed to work towards the earliest possible conclusion of tender process for implementation of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project and directed that discussions be initiated at the earliest to conclude an MoU on rehabilitation and modernisation of Kankesanthurai harbour project, to be implemented under a grant of USD 61.5 million.

“Recalling the commitment made during the visit of Prime Minister of India to Sri Lanka in April 2025, the two sides agreed that the MoU to implement the proposed expansion of the 1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance service should be concluded at an early date. They also noted with satisfaction that the initiative on capacity building announced during the visit of Prime Minister last year has also been implemented successfully, covering over 1,000 Sri Lankan professionals from different sectors in its first year. Noting recent progress on implementation of the Phase-IV of the Indian Housing Project for the plantation community, the Foreign Secretary urged the Sri Lankan side to expedite implementation of the various projects for the IOT community, including the implementation of construction of all 10,000 houses for the IOTs announced during the visit of Prime Minister of India to Sri Lanka in 2017,” the MEA statement detailed.

It mentioned that there was also discussion on strengthening bilateral partnership on economic matters as both sides welcomed the initial discussions in June this year and the decision to take forward negotiations on updating the Free Trade Agreement between India and Sri Lanka. They also welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations on India-Sri Lanka Social Security Agreement. The Agreement is expected to be signed soon following completion of necessary internal procedures on both sides.

During the visit, Foreign Secretary Misri also discussed issues pertaining to fishermen and requested Sri Lanka’s cooperation for early release of fishermen and boats detained in Sri Lanka. He also requested that even as bilateral mechanisms continue to work towards finding a resolution of the various issues, a humanitarian approach keeping in view the livelihood requirements of fishermen should continue to guide the approach.

“Foreign Secretary also called upon the Sri Lankan leadership to implement their commitment to hold Provincial Council elections at the earliest and to fully implement the Constitutional provisions of Sri Lanka to meet the aspirations of the Tamil people. He also welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayaka’s assurances as contained in the Joint Statement of December 2024 that Sri Lankan territory shall not be permitted to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India and conveyed that this provides a strong foundation to build a comprehensive and mutually beneficial development partnership between India and Sri Lanka to fulfil the aspirations of our respective peoples for security and prosperity,” the MEA stated.

“The visit of the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to implement the vision of our leaders, as laid down in the Joint Statement issued during the visit of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka in December 2024 and the agreements and MoUs signed during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in April 2025,” it concluded.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) The Indian Railways has simplified its licensing framework to allow container train operators (CTOs) to run container trains on all routes across the network under a single all-India license, with a uniform registration fee of Rs 25 crore, in a major reform to facilitate ease of doing business, with the earlier system of separate permissions and fees for different route categories is being done away with, an official statement issued on Wednesday said.

The modifications in the model concession agreement (MCA) have been approved to roll out the new licensing system, and the changes will be notified through a gazette notification, the statement said.

As part of the approved modifications, the existing route-wise categorisation of licences will be discontinued, and the operators will be granted a single all-India licence, enabling them to operate container trains across all routes on the Indian Railways network.

The earlier system of charging different registration fees for different route categories has been done away with. Every applicant will now deposit a non-refundable uniform registration fee of Rs 25 crore to operate on all routes on the Indian Railways network.

The approved amendments provide that the permission granted to a CTO may be extended for a further period of 20 years after expiry. This will be done by the competent authority to the same operator on application, subject to satisfactory performance. No extension fee will be charged for this extension or for any future extensions to the same operator.

Operators already holding Category I licenses may continue under their existing category until their concession period ends. On renewal or extension under the new license, no fee will be charged to them, the statement said.

Operators in Category II, III and IV may also continue in their existing categories until their concession period ends. For renewal or extension under the new license, they will pay Rs 15 crore. This is the difference between the new fee of Rs 25 crore and the Rs 10 crore already paid. This amount is non-refundable.

These operators may also choose to migrate early to the new license before completing their 20-year concession period. They will pay the same amount of Rs 15 crore for early migration.

The uniform registration fee and removal of extension fees are expected to reduce regulatory and compliance costs for operators while simplifying the approval process.

The simplified licensing is expected to encourage greater private participation and expansion of container train operations, leading to improved rail-based freight movement across the country. Greater use of rail for container transportation is expected to reduce logistics costs for industry, particularly MSMEs, by providing a more efficient and cost-effective freight transport option, the statement said.

Increased modal shift of container traffic from road to rail is also expected to ease congestion on highways, reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions, contributing to more sustainable freight transportation.

The approved amendments are aimed at establishing a simplified and uniform licensing framework for CTOs across the Indian Railways network. The reforms are expected to facilitate a streamlined approval mechanism while providing a common regulatory framework for container train operations under the model concession agreement, the statement added.

–IANS

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