Latest news with #BSF
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Suspected human trafficker held in Tripura
Agartala: Government Railway Police (GRP), in collaboration with BSF and Tripura Police, arrested a suspected human trafficker on Friday, reports Biswendu Bhattacharjee. The arrested man has been identified as Sharif Mia (42), a resident of Dudhpukur Mosque in Sepahijala district. Police said the accused was taken into custody. Mia was produced in a Sonamura court, seeking his remand for further interrogation. A special investigation team is currently interrogating Mia, and initial findings suggest that more people from the region could be linked to the case. According to reports, a human trafficking racket has been actively involved in the cross-border movement of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals to different Indian cities.
New Indian Express
13 hours ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Corporation set to tackle food waste crisis with black soldier fly composting
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to combat the mounting organic garbage crisis in the state capital, the city corporation is all set to introduce black soldier fly (BSF) composting technology to manage food waste. The eco-friendly waste-treatment method, with a proven record in Kochi, is expected to reduce the city's dependence on private service providers and pig farms. The civic body is planning to set up two BSF composting units in the city over the next four months. According to officials, over 100 tonnes of food waste is currently collected daily by service providers and Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) members from households, restaurants and eateries. However, unregulated collection practices and illegal dumping have raised a lot of questions. 'Unlike aerobic composting, BSF composting units require more space. A BSF composting unit will take up at least an acre of land. We have identified three acres of land at two locations and one of the units will come up on two acres,' an official source said. The move comes amid repeated criticism by the local self-government department (LSGD) of delays and inefficiencies in the city's organic waste management initiatives. Recently, LSGD Minister M B Rajesh convened a high-level meeting to draw up a comprehensive action plan to resolve the food waste crisis in the city. Special secretary Anupama T V has been assigned to oversee implementation of the plan. In addition to the BSF plants, the civic body also plans to expand the capacity of the existing rapid composting plant in Kalladimukham to 50 tonnes and set up a new unit at Chalai. Meanwhile, the plan to set up a compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant is gaining pace.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
After Operation Sindoor, Indian Army and BSF officers discuss western theatre, joint border management
1 2 Chandigarh: The annual synergy conference of Army and BSF was held at the Western Command HQ Thursday, bringing together senior BSF leadership of the Punjab and Jammu Frontier and the Western Command. The conference aimed to further enhance operational synergy, reinforce jointmanship, and address critical issues pertinent to border management in the Western theatre. The meeting was co-chaired by Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander (Western Command), and Satish S Khandare, ADG, HQ Spl DG BSF (Western Command). The conference featured detailed analyses of the challenges encountered in border management, with a particular focus on the recent operational experience of Operation Sindoor . Senior commanders from both forces shared tactical and strategic insights gained during the operation, highlighting areas such as coordination under dynamic conditions, terrain exploitation, and rapid decision-making. The lessons drawn from this operation are being actively institutionalised to enhance preparedness, adaptability, and response mechanisms for future border contingencies. Building upon these insights, the conference deliberated on a range of joint initiatives aimed at fostering greater operational synergy. These included the harmonisation of training protocols and equipment profiles between BSF and Army units to ensure compatibility and seamless coordination during integrated missions. Discussions also focused on measures to enhance resource sharing and supply chain efficiency in forward areas. Building on previous exercises to enhance synergy, a communication architecture was deliberated upon to enable secure, real-time information exchange across operational formations. In view of rising aerial threats, particularly from small unmanned aerial systems, both forces also explored the integration of surveillance platforms and counter-drone capabilities, with an aim to enhance the layered airspace defence mechanism. Satisfaction with various initiatives taken post the last conference in April 2024 was realised as joint training and the establishment of communication protocols leading to increased joint operability were tested during Operation Sindoor. Newer areas for synergy were identified, such as drones, C-UAV, surveillance, and communication for enhanced jointness to fight a coordinated defensive battle. In his concluding address, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C, HQ (Western Command), emphasised the long-term vision of developing a joint security force culture, reiterating the significance of sustained cooperation and the spirit of jointmanship. He lauded the efforts of both the BSF and the Army in maintaining border integrity and called for continued collaboration to effectively counter modern and emerging threats.
Scroll.in
a day ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Watch: ‘Pushed' into Bangladesh at gunpoint, two Assam residents return to narrate their ordeal
As part of a sweeping crackdown on declared foreigners, the Assam government has forcibly pushed back over 300 people since May—many of whom claim they are Indian citizens. Most belong to the Bengali-origin Muslim community, long vilified as foreigners despite generations of residence in the state. Ufa Ali (68) from Morigaon district was picked up by Assam Police on May 23, while Shona Bhanu (59) from Barpeta was detained two days later, on May 25. They were taken to the police station and detained. What followed was a harrowing journey that ended with them being pushed across the Bangladesh border at gunpoint. Scroll travelled to Assam to hear their stories. 'We were made to travel all night,' Ufa Ali recalled. 'They took us to a BSF camp where we were given food. After food, everyone was handed 200 taka. We asked, 'Why are you giving us Bangladeshi currency?' They said, 'You will need this.' That's when we realised what was about to happen.' Both spent two nights at the Matia Detention Centre before being taken to a remote border crossing in the dead of night. Trapped in no man's land between India and Bangladesh, they were caught in a terrifying standoff. 'They were readying the guns. We thought they would kill us,' Ali said. 'They told us to enter [Bangladesh] or we would be shot. We were terrified. We had no option. We were forced to enter.' 'A group came and said, 'You are framing your own countrymen as Bangladeshi. Why are you firing at them? Why are you harassing Indians?'' Bhanu recounted. Despite the state's claims that these deportations are legal—based on Foreigners Tribunal orders—there are glaring inconsistencies. Shona Bhanu's deportation was stayed by the Supreme Court. Ufa Ali is listed in the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which was meant to be the definitive list of Indian citizens in Assam. Yet, on May 31, Assam's Chief Minister publicly confirmed: people declared foreigners by the tribunals were being "pushed back" into Bangladesh. The BSF and Assam police did not respond to Scroll's questions about Ali and Bhanu's return. Watch the full video report here: Play
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Star Families Expands Leadership to Bolster Support for Military Families
New Board and Advisory Appointees Bring Fresh Perspectives and Deep Expertise to Advance the Organization's Mission and Impact Washington, D.C., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Star Families (BSF), the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to supporting military and veteran families, is proud to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors, Carlos Del Toro and AJ Jones, along with seven esteemed leaders to its Advisory Board. These latest additions bring a dynamic blend of experience, fresh perspectives, and a deep commitment to BSF's mission of strengthening military and veteran families. Carlos Del Toro, the 78th Secretary of the Navy, and 2024 recipient of the Blue Star Families Lifetime Military Family Champion Award, has long been a leading advocate for the needs of service members and their loved ones. AJ Jones II, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic and Corporate Communications Officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, brings strategic leadership from one of the nation's most influential sports and entertainment organizations, home to the NBA's Washington Wizards and the WNBA's Washington Mystics. The newly appointed National Advisory Board members include: Cathy Bentivegna, spouse of Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna, Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force. Known professionally for her expertise in project management and her commitment to operational excellence, Cathy is also a passionate advocate for mentorship and community support, focusing on helping military members and their families navigate career development and child care resources. Stacie Black, Retired First Sergeant, USMC, and spouse of 5th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Troy Black. She is a passionate advocate for military families, having experienced the challenges of military life firsthand. Patricia Montes-Barron, President of PMB Consulting, LLC, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Military Community and Family Policy. As a former active-duty Army spouse, she is passionately committed to advocating for policies that support military quality of life. Rachel Guetlein, spouse of General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force. Rachel has devoted her life to advocating for individuals and families across populations. As a military spouse, she champions opportunities for spouses and families to find connection and support. Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Export-Import Bank of the United States. She is a distinguished leader in international trade, finance, and bipartisan collaboration. Peter Long, former Executive Vice President of Strategy and Health Solutions, Blue Shield of California. He has extensive experience working on health policy issues at the state, national, and global levels and has written numerous papers and chapters on a variety of health policy topics. The Honorable Alex Wagner, Adjunct Professor at the Maxwell School, Syracuse University, and former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower & Reserve Affairs Anthony 'Tony' Woods, Director and Head of Talent for Schmidt Futures and former Secretary of the Department of Veterans and Military Families, State of Maryland These leaders will provide strategic counsel to advance BSF's national programs, forge powerful partnerships, and advocate for meaningful policy changes that improve the lives of military and veteran families. 'We're thrilled to welcome Carlos Del Toro to our Board of Directors. He has been an extraordinary supporter of Blue Star Families over the years. As the 78th Secretary of the Navy and seasoned naval officer, he brings a passion and unwavering commitment to our community. We know he will make a great impact,' says Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. 'AJ Jones has a long association with Blue Star Families. Growing up as a military child, he has a deep love and understanding of this community, and we are excited to have him join us, and we look forward to working more closely with Monumental Sports & Entertainment.' ### About Blue Star FamiliesBlue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A 'blue star family' is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click Media Relations Blue Star Families (844) 202-7827, ext. 4 media@
