Latest news with #OperationShield
Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Rajasthan CM: ‘Our use of bulldozers has been lawful … Unlike perceptions of arbitrary demolitions, our approach ensures due process'
A first-time MLA who was given the responsibility of governing Rajasthan after the BJP came to power in 2023, Bhajan Lal Sharma admits that the 'learning curve has been steep'. In an interview with The Indian Express, Sharma discusses what he has learnt on the job so far, his government's achievements, what it is doing to promote job creation, and bulldozer actions. Excerpts: * Let me begin by asking about what it was like in Rajasthan during the conflict with Pakistan last month. It came under attack … Following the Pahalgam attack, Rajasthan was on high alert. My government coordinated with the Union Home Ministry and the defence forces to ensure heightened vigilance along the border districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Sri Ganganagar. We bolstered police deployment to assist central forces, conducted joint mock drills as a part of Operation Shield alongside Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, and ensured logistical support for security operations. * You have been the CM for over a year now. What have been your biggest learnings? The learning curve has been steep but rewarding, particularly in understanding the intricacies of policy implementation and stakeholder coordination. I have been fortunate to receive substantial cooperation from party leaders and the guidance of senior leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and party chief J P Nadda. They have been instrumental in shaping my approach to governance. While there have been occasional challenges in aligning priorities, the collaborative spirit in the party and the administration has enabled us to deliver on key promises like infrastructure development and social welfare. * If you had to list your administration's achievements so far, what would you mention? In our first year, we fulfilled nearly half the promises made in the 2023 manifesto, including law and order and anti-corruption measures. The Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit, securing Rs 35 lakh crore in MoUs, is a landmark initiative to drive economic growth. Additionally, restoring pensions for those jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during Emergency reflects our commitment to honouring historical sacrifices. The new schemes we have implemented include the provision of cooking gas cylinders at Rs 450 for 72.83 lakh Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries, significantly easing the financial burden on low-income households. We have also launched the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024, offering incentives to attract industries, and the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Scheme, providing financial security to artisans. These initiatives underscore our focus on inclusive development and economic empowerment. * People have compared bulldozer actions in Rajasthan to the 'UP model' … The use of bulldozers in Rajasthan, particularly in cases linked to the paper leak scandal going back several years, has been a targeted and lawful response to criminal activities. For instance, the demolition of a coaching institute in Jaipur run by individuals accused of leaking the paper of the second-grade teacher recruitment examination was carried out as per legal provisions to send a strong message of deterrence. However, I must clarify that the media is referring to these actions as the 'UP model'. Each state operates within its unique context to protect the public interest. Unlike perceptions of arbitrary demolitions, our approach ensures due process, targeting only those properties directly linked to criminal enterprises. * The Centre has decided to conduct caste enumeration along with the next Census. What are your views on it? I fully endorse the Centre's initiative of conducting a caste census as it aligns with the ethos of bringing marginalised and deprived communities into the mainstream. As highlighted during the NDA CMs' conclave, the caste census is about ensuring that the marginalised communities are prioritised in development schemes. * The BJP president's election has been delayed by almost a year now. Why? As a disciplined member of the party, I respect the internal democratic processes that guide our organisation. I trust the central leadership's judgement in determining the appropriate timing (of electing the president). The BJP remains a democratic party as evidenced by its transparent processes of electing leaders at various levels. * What impact do you expect the recently launched Vande Ganga Mission to have on the state? I launched the 15-day 'Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan-Jan Abhiyan' on June 5 to coincide with Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day. The campaign is aimed at creating awareness and combating water scarcity across the state's 41 districts. With Rs 345 crore allocated, the campaign involves shramdaan (voluntary contribution of labour), cleaning hundreds of water bodies, and Vande Ganga Kalash Yatra, benefiting 45,000 villages. The Vande Ganga Mission, inspired by the national vision to rejuvenate India's rivers, aims to restore and preserve Rajasthan's water bodies, particularly focusing on sustainable water management in our arid state. The broader Vande Ganga Mission rejuvenates rivers and canals, enhancing irrigation for 2.8 lakh hectares, bolstering agriculture (60% workforce), and ensuring sustainable water security, reducing migration, and promoting rural development. * What is your government's strategy to promote economic growth and job creation? The Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit is expected to generate over 10 lakh direct and indirect jobs. We have launched the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024, offering tax incentives to attract industries, particularly in the industries of the future like IT and manufacturing. For the youth, we have prioritised skill development, training 50,000 individuals in 2024 through the Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation. In the 2025-26 financial year, we plan to hire 1.25 lakh youth in government jobs. These initiatives aim to empower our youth with opportunities in a rapidly growing economy. * Can you tell us about the steps being taken to strengthen border security? Rajasthan's border with Pakistan demands robust security measures, as highlighted by Operation Sindoor. We have enhanced coordination with the Border Security Force, increasing patrols and deploying advanced surveillance systems, including drones and thermal cameras, along the 1,070-km border. Community engagement programmes ensure local cooperation, while infrastructure development, like all-weather roads, improves rapid response capabilities. These measures aim to secure our borders and ensure peace in the region
India Today
03-06-2025
- General
- India Today
Maharashtra to give basic military training to students from Class 1
In a first-of-its-kind move, Maharashtra will begin providing basic military training to school students starting from Class 1, state school education minister Dada Bhuse announced on Monday. The initiative aims to foster patriotism, discipline, and physical fitness amongst children from an early to Bhuse, retired army personnel will take charge of training the students, alongside support from school sports teachers, NCC (National Cadet Corps) officials, and Scouts and Guides units. 'This decision has been taken to instil love for the country and encourage daily habits like physical exercise and disciplined living, which will greatly benefit students in the long run,' he proposal has reportedly received a favourable response from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. To ensure wide implementation, the government plans to involve over 2.5 lakh ex-servicemen across the state. This announcement comes in the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India's retaliatory strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7 targeting terror bases in Pakistan and country also witnessed a series of nationwide civil defence exercises recently. Under 'Operation Abhyas' on May 7 and 'Operation Shield' on May 31, mock drills were conducted in several border states to prepare civilians and authorities for potential emergency scenarios. These drills involved rehearsing responses to a range of simulated threats, underscoring India's increased focus on national military training plan for students aligns with this broader strategy of preparedness and resilience at both national and grassroots levels.(With PTI inputs) Must Watch
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Basic military training to be given to students from Class 1 in Maharashtra: Minister
Maharashtra school education minister Dada Bhuse on Monday announced that basic military training will be imparted to students from Class 1 in the state in a move to instill sense of patriotism, discipline and promote habit of regular physical exercise among the children. Retired soldiers will be training the pupils, news agency PTI quoted Bhuse as saying. "A decision has been taken to give basic level military training to students from Class 1. This will help inculcate love for the country, encourage habits like doing physical exercise regularly and discipline that will benefit the students," he added. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded positively to the proposal. To implement the proposal, help of 2.5 lakh ex-servicemen will be taken along with sports teachers, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Scouts and Guides, the Shiv Sena minister added. The proposal comes in the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions that peaked after the April 22 Pahalgam attack and Indian armed forces' retaliatory strikes on May 7 - 'Operation Sindoor' - against terror infrastruction in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Nationwide mock drills were held on May 7 under 'Operation Abhyas'. A second round of mock drills under Operation Shield was held on Saturday, May 31, in the states along the Pakistan border. The drills were conducted to ensure civil defence readiness against potential hostile attacks. Another round of mock drills took place on May 31, under Operation Shield', aimed to address gaps identified during the ones held earlier. The exercises included simulating multiple emergency situations, stressing on the heightened emphasis on national security amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Mint
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
News Wrap This Week: COVID-19 cases in India touch 3,700, Elon Musk exits DOGE, Bangladesh election, more
In the News Wrap This Week, we have US billionaire Elon Musk stepping down as the head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE); new developments related to Trump tariffs; mock drills conducted in parts of India under 'Operation Shield', India urging Bangladesh to hold 'inclusive, free, fair' polls; and rising COVID-19 cases. The Ministry of Health's data showed on Sunday that 363 more COVID-19 cases were reported across India in the last 24 hours, bringing the country's active cases tally to 3,758. Civil defence exercises or mock drills were conducted across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir under 'Operation Shield' on May 31. These exercises were last conducted across the nation on 7 May amid India-Pakistan tensions along the borders. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced his departure from the Trump administration early Thursday. In a post on X, the head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) said, '...my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end.' The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Delhi government completed its first 100 days of governance in the national capital on Saturday, May 31. On the occasion, the Delhi government released a 'workbook', highlighting important public welfare initiatives launched so far under Rekha Gupta's chief ministership. Bangladesh's chief advisor Muhammad Yunus has assured that the nationwide polls will take place between December 2025 and June 2026, even as political parties continue to pressure him to set a poll date. Amid the calls for Bangladesh elections, India urged the neighbouring country to hold an inclusive, free, and fair election at an early date to ascertain the people's will and mandate. US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the US Court of International Trade's order to block import tariffs was "so wrong" and "so political." The US President's statement came as a US trade court had this week blocked his "Liberation Day" import tariffs from going into effect. However, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington said it was pausing the lower court's ruling, and ordered the plaintiffs in the cases to respond by June 5 and the administration by June 9.. US President Donald Trump announced that he would double steel tariffs from 25% to 50%, from next week onwards, while promoting the partnership between Japan's Nippon Steel and US Steel. Taking to his Truth Social account, Trump wrote, 'It is my great honour to raise the Tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25% to 50%, effective Wednesday, June 4th. Our steel and aluminum industries are coming back like never before. This will be yet another BIG jolt of great news for our wonderful steel and aluminum workers. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' Am video showing Brigitte Macron apparently shoving the French President Emmanuel Macron's face as they landed in Vietnam for their tour. In the video, French President Emmanuel Macron was seen standing in the vestibule adjoining the boarding gate, communicating with his wife Brigitte Macron, who was inside the cabin. As security officials open the gate, the President's wife's hand suddenly appeared from the doorway, which shoved his face away in a gesture that appeared to be an aggressive display.
NDTV
01-06-2025
- NDTV
Rajasthan Officers Attacked By Bees During 'Operation Shield' Mock Drill
A blackout was observed at different times from 8 pm in the entire state, along with the districts bordering Pakistan in Rajasthan. There was a blackout in different cities from 15 minutes to 25 minutes. During this time, people switched off the lights of their homes, shops and offices. People stopped the vehicles on the road by switching off the headlights. During the blackout, there was complete darkness at some places, while at other places the whole city was lit except for a fixed area. Before the blackout at 8.15 pm in Jaipur from Khatipura Road to Hasanpura, a mock drill of the air strike was carried out under Operation Shield. During the mock drill at Kalisindh Dam in Jhalawar, a hypothetical situation of a drone attack was created. During this, a real emergency situation arose on the spot. In fact, many officers and employees, including the Collector-SP, present on the dam, were attacked by bees. All the officers ran away to save their lives. A real-time mock drill was conducted on the ground of a government school located on Khatipura Road in Jaipur. This mock drill was of a drone attack and a missile attack on the Army's residential colony. Jaipur collector Dr Jitendra Soni said, "Reached the spot immediately on the information of the attack. It was simulated that nine villagers were passing through this field. During this, one person died in the attack, while eight people were injured. During the mock drill, rehearsals were also done to rescue people trapped on the roof. During this, people climbed on the roof and shouted for help. After this, people's lives were saved with the help of a crane." NCC cadets also played a role in the mock drill. A mock drill of an air strike was conducted at Kalyan Medical College in Sikar. Four explosions were simulated here. As soon as the information was received, the fire brigade, ambulance, civil defence team and police reached the spot immediately. During this, a small girl got scared, who was taken care of by women police personnel. After the blast, many people were stuck on the 5th floor, who were brought down with the help of ropes. They were taken out. Before the blackout, the police team informed the people in the colonies. In Ajmer, a blackout was observed from 8 a.m. to 8.30 pm. During this, the government lights on the streets were switched off. People switched off the lights in their houses. The market was closed during the blackout in Barmer.
