Author: LokMarg

Afghanistan’s fastest-growing drug industry operates from desert outposts in plain view, a US media report said on Monday, weeks after the Taliban announced a ban on poppy cultivation.

This comes as Afghanistan has been a global hub for opium production, estimated to supply 80 percent of the world’s opiate users.

According to The Washington Post, the meth industry is growing at record speed, stoking fears that the country could become a major supplier as demand rises globally.

The US newspaper said that hundreds of meth labs have appeared in the country over the past six years.

The report added that more are being built each month as the country’s economic crisis forces Afghans to find new sources of income, the report said and added the vast majority of meth produced is for export.

“These labs have been extremely busy these last few months, as a consequence of the sheer amount of ephedra that passed through,” said David Mansfield, an expert on Afghanistan’s illicit economy who has produced reports for the World Bank and European Commission, drawing from on-the-ground investigators, aerial imagery and other sources.

According to the Post, though the Taliban inspect the market, they have not tried to shut it down. This is happening despite the ban issued by the Taliban issued on the growing, production and distribution of illicit drugs.

Abdulwadood who works openly in the methamphetamine business said the only reason they are in this business is that there are no other jobs. “Of course, if the economy gets worse, more people will start producing shisha.”

“A significant part of the Taliban’s revenue comes from taxing illicit commodities, and drugs is one of those,” said Andrew Cunningham, who heads the drug markets, crime and supply reduction branch at the EU’s European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction.

“It’s impossible to provide even the most basic of services unless there’s money coming into the government coffers,” Cunningham noted. (ANI)

The national capital Delhi reported 1,414 fresh COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, taking the active caseload to 5,986 in the city, as per a health bulletin by the Delhi government.

The daily case positivity rate stands at 5.97 per cent. As many as 1,171 COVID patients recovered from the disease yesterday. The total number of recoveries since the onset of the pandemic in the city has gone up to 18,54,888.

One COVID-affected person succumbed to the virus during this period, taking the death toll in the national capital to 26,176.

As per the official data, more than 13,875 COVID samples were tested in the city yesterday.

Under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive, a total of 45,853 eligible beneficiaries were administered coronavirus vaccine doses on Tuesday in Delhi.

So far, 3,35,79,923 vaccine doses have been provided in the national capital. (ANI)

To boost the river transport system in Assam, the state government has decided to set up a company, Assam Inland Waterways Company Limited (AIWCL).

The decision was taken in the state cabinet meeting held on Tuesday at Janata Bhawan under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.

“The Chief Minister will be the chairman of Assam Inland Waterways Company Limited and the company’s mandate is to establish, maintain and operate cost-effective water transportation services within Assam including river cruises, develop and maintain all-weather ports, jetties, passenger terminals,” Assam Health Minister Keshab Mahanta said.

The Minister further said that the state cabinet also approved a contract for the construction of Terminal and Riverine Infrastructure at Guwahati Hatway Ghat and the total contract value will be Rs 289.45 crore.

“The Assam cabinet approved Assam Bridge Project-II,4.08 km long 4-lane extra dosed PSC bridge over the Brahmaputra river connecting Palasbari and Sualkuchi at a cost of Rs 3,197 crore,” Keshab Mahanta said.

The state cabinet also approved the enhancement of state subsidy for houses being constructed under PMAY HFA (Urban) from Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 in respect of all incomplete houses, to release of Rs 30,000 for early completion of houses under Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) component of PMAY HFA (Urban) as the third instalment to those beneficiaries who have reached roof level and this will benefit 1,16,380 beneficiaries with additional spending of Rs 116.3 crore, making Assam the first state to undertake such an innovative step.

“34 Polytechnics and 43 Government ITIs are to be upgraded as Centres of Excellence in association with Tata Technologies Limited (TTL) and the proposed project cost will be Rs 2,390 crore. Approval to release of Rs 308.75 crore as part of the Rs 700 crore relief package to employees of Nagaon Paper Mill and Cachar Paper Mill and the state government will provide jobs to 100 of its employees. The cabinet has given administrative approval to the construction of new Medical Colleges and Hospitals at Bongaigaon, Dhemaji, Golaghat and Morigaon and the total project cost will be Rs 2000 crore. Assam Complex will be established at Tiware village, Raigarh district of Maharashtra for promoting state’s rich cultural heritage,” Keshab Mahanta said.

The cabinet also approved the recruitment of 4,868 graduate and postgraduate teachers in government and provincialised High and Higher Secondary Schools in the state. (ANI)

Aurangabad Police registered a case against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday over his speech at a rally here on May 1.

The entire force of the Maharashtra police is “ready” to tackle any deterioration of the law and order situation, Maharashtra DGP Rajnish Seth said.
Police registered the case after seeing the viral videos of his public rally.

“Aurangabad Police Commissioner is capable of taking action against anyone. He is looking at the videos of Raj Thackeray’s rally and if he finds anything wrong in it then he will take action today itself,” said Maharashtra Director General of Police Rajnish Seth.

Heavy police deployment has been made outside Raj Thackeray’s residence.

Amid the ongoing political row over the use of loudspeakers at mosques, Raj Thackeray had on Sunday said that if loudspeakers are not taken down then the Hanuman Chalisa would be played with double volume compared to Azaan (a call for prayer by Muslims) from May 4.

“Today is the first day of Maharashtra (Maharashtra Day). I will not listen from the fourth day from now. Wherever we will see a loudspeaker, we will also chant Hanuman Chalisa in front of the loudspeaker in double volume,” Thackeray had said while addressing a gathering at Sanskrutik Mandal Maidan in Aurangabad.

He also announced that he will hold more rallies in Marathwada, Vidarbha and other cities as well.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has ordered the Police not to wait for anyone’s permission to maintain law and order situation in the state.

Thackeray held a meeting with Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil on Tuesday to review the law and order situation in the state considering the prevailing situation.

Chief Minister ordered that Police should take all measures to maintain law and order and not wait for anyone’s order. Thackeray further held a telephonic conversation with the Maharashtra DGP Rajnish Seth.

Mumbai Police seized loudspeakers from the MNS office and detain the party’s Chandivali unit chief Mahendra Bhanushali and others on Tuesday.

The loudspeakers row started when the MNS chief on April 12, when gave an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government seeking the removal of loudspeakers from mosques within May 3, failing which, he warned, MNS workers will play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers. (ANI)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced that the state government will provide Rs 1,500 per acre as financial assistance to farmers opting for the direct seeding of rice (DSR) technique in the coming paddy season.

“To promote the DSR technology, our government has also decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per acre to the farmers who adopt this water-saving method of cultivating paddy,” CM Mann said kick-starting the ambitious drive, Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR), which promotes the cultivation of paddy by using a lesser amount of water from his native village Satauj.
Exhorting the farmers of his native village to go for this new technique of paddy sowing in a big way, the CM said that since the residents of Punjab have given a massive mandate to form the AAP government in the state and now it was our bounden duty to take path-breaking initiatives like DSR and several more for state’s overall development and prosperity, for which people’s wholehearted cooperation and support is immensely needed.

Expressing concern over depleting groundwater, Mann said it is the need of the hour to motivate our farmers to switch over from traditional paddy transplantation to the advanced technology of DSR. “Moreover, it is high time to adopt an alternate technique for paddy cultivation thus saving the much scarce and precious natural resource water as almost half of the land being cultivated by the farmers and they could play a pivotal role in this regard,” added Mann.

Calling upon the farmers of Satauj, Mann said that they will have to set an example for the entire Punjab by sowing paddy with the DSR method on a maximum area of land.

To encourage crop diversification in Punjab, the CM said that their government will provide MSP on alternative crops including maize, pulses and bajra and will sell the products.

The CM also assured the farmers that during the tenure of their government, they will be getting superior quality fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides.

To ease the power supply situation in the state, Bhagwant Mann said that there will be no problem with electricity supply as their government is going to resume mining of coal from Punjab’s allotted mine in Jharkhand which was shut since 2015.

He further pointed out that with an uninterrupted supply of coal, there will be a normal supply of power for agriculture, the domestic and industrial sector, as well. (ANI)

Taking a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his viral video, BJP MP Rajyavardhan Rathore on Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi of doing ‘part-time politics’.

The BJP MP also slammed the Congress government in Rajasthan calling it ‘useless.’
Speaking to ANI, Rathore said, “Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra do part-time politics. Rajasthan govt is useless. Do as many press conferences or give as many justifications about his (Rahul Gandhi) partying as you want, why is your govt not working on its responsibilities?”

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was seen in a viral video at a nightclub in Kathmandu.

The viral video seemingly has a discotheque as its background with people around him seen consuming liquor.

The viral video has come at a time when Congress is seen to be in deep leadership crisis, with the party’s bid to onboard the poll strategist Prashant Kishor having failed.

The BJP leader further said that the law and order situation is deteriorating in Rajasthan and a bad example is presented of appeasement.

“Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is also the Home Minister of the state and police administration comes under him. Despite this, such a kind of appeasement is happening. In the Karauli incident, police have the information of the incident, but no steps were taken to maintain peace, and the Chief Minister is justifying the incident by saying that ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans were raised. Why did the Jodhpur incident happen?” he said.

Further slamming the Congress Government in Rajasthan, Rathore alleged that 18 rapes happen in Rajasthan every day and the state is number one in the oppression of women.

He further said that the only motive of Ashok Gehlot is to be in power.

“He only wants to keep his chair safe and that’s the only motive he has, then who will protect the citizens? Rajasthan government has failed completely. Congress will be wiped out and BJP is coming to power because they are serving the people,” he added.

Rathore’s statements come in the backdrop of tensions in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur following the imposition of Section 144 as clashes erupted after Eid prayers on Tuesday morning.

Jodhpur district administration also suspended all mobile internet services in Jodhpur district from 1 am today as a precautionary measure. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday discussed the war in Ukraine with the Danish PM Mette Frederiksen during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) between India and Denmark in Copenhagen.

“We share many values. We are two democratic nations, we both believe in a rule-based international system. In times such as these, we need to build an even stronger bridge between us. As close partners, we also discussed the war in Ukraine,” said Frederiksen.
Talking about the Bucha killings, she stressed for an independent investigation. Hundreds of civilians were found dead on the streets in Bucha, beside their homes, and in mass graves. Ukraine has accused Russia of the massacre in Bucha. However, Russia has denied the allegations and claimed that it is Ukrainian propaganda.

“We discussed the consequences of horrible crimes committed against civilians and the serious humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The reports on the killings of civilians in Bucha are deeply shocking. We have condemned these killings and we stress the need for an independent investigation,” said the Danish PM.

Russian forces launched military operations in Ukraine on February 24, three days after Moscow recognized Ukraine’s breakaway regions – Donetsk and Luhansk – as independent entities.

“Denmark and the entire European Union strongly condemn Russia’s unlawful and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. My message is very clear, Russian President Vladimir Putin got to stop this war and end the killings. I, of course, hope that India will influence Russia in this discussion,” added Frederiksen.

Several countries including the UK, the US, Canada, and the European Union have condemned Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and imposed sanctions on Moscow. These countries have also promised to help Ukraine with military aid to fight Russia.

Welcoming PM Modi to Denmark, Frederiksen said that both countries share a strong relationship.

“Thank You so much. First of all, once again, a very warm welcome to Denmark, His Excellency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I had a very productive meeting today. The relations between our two countries are very strong. PM Modi, I deeply appreciate this important meeting,” said the Danish PM.

PM Modi and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen held delegation-level talks in Copenhagen today to review progress in the Green Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

“Denmark and India are moving fast in transforming our Green Strategic Partnership into some concrete results. The Indian government has high ambitions for the green transition and for making India more independent of fossil fuels. I am very proud that Danish solutions play a key role in realizing these important ambitions. Today, we have agreed on a number of concrete steps on green energy, clean water and to counter the next global health crisis. Just to mention a few examples. Hopefully, the two of us will lead by example by showing that green growth and green tradition can go hand-in-hand. I am convinced that India and Denmark have huge untapped potential for trade and investment,” added Frederiksen.

Further, she also talked about Nordic Summit 2022, Frederiksen said, “I look forward to continuing the discussion between the two of us tomorrow also with our Nordic colleagues at the Indo-Nordic Summit 2022.”

During Denmark’s visit, PM Modi will take part in the 2nd India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway where we will take stock of our cooperation since the First India-Nordic Summit in 2018.

The Summit will focus on subjects like post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, innovation and technology, renewable energy, the evolving global security scenario and India-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic region. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Danish counterpart Frederiksen on Tuesday, during which he expressed hope that the negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will be concluded at the earliest.

On 8 May 2021, the EU and Indian leaders’ agreed to resume negotiations for a “balanced, ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial” trade agreement, and to launch separate negotiations on an investment protection agreement and another agreement on geographical indications.
They had agreed to link trade negotiations to finding “solutions to long-standing market access issues”.

PM Modi and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen held delegation-level talks in Copenhagen today to review progress in the Green Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

They also discussed India-EU relations, Indo-Pacific, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

“Today we also discussed many regional and global issues including India-EU relations, Indo-Pacific and Ukraine. We hope that the negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will be concluded at the earliest,” PM Modi said while speaking at the joint press meet with PM Frederiksen.

The Prime Minister said that India and Denmark share values of democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. “Together we both have several complementary strengths.”

“During the India-Denmark virtual summit in October 2020, we had termed our relations a Green Strategic Partnership. During our discussions today, we also reviewed the joint work plan of our Green Strategic Partnership,” he said.

PM Modi on Tuesday reached the Danish capital for a one-day visit that will include several engagements including talks with leaders from Nordic countries.

This visit started in Denmark shortly after PM Modi’s Berlin visit.

During his one-day Germany visit, PM Modi met with German chancellor Olaf Scholz. This was their first engagement since Chancellor Scholz assumed office in December 2021. (ANI)

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday convened a high-level meeting with the state’s Director-General of Police and other officials regarding the law and order situation in the state and directed them to rush to Jodhpur, following violence that broke out here between two communities.

Gehlot instructed Minister of State for Home Rajendra Yadav and Jodhpur in-charge minister Dr Subhash Garg, ACS Home Abhay Kumar, ADG Law and Order Hawa Singh Ghumaria to immediately go to Jodhpur via helicopter.
Rajasthan Police also detained three persons in connection with the clashes while the district administration imposed a curfew from 1 pm today to May 4 midnight, according to an official order.

This morning, police resorted to a lathi charge after clashes again broke out between two communities at Jalori Gate, following Eid prayers. This followed the tense atmosphere which prevailed here on Monday after stone-pelting between two groups over objections raised over the raising of a flag at Balmukand Bissa at the Jalori Gate intersection circle. After stone-pelting started, police tried to control the situation and disperse the crowd.

Following the incidents, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appealed to the people to maintain peace in the area. “I want to appeal to people to maintain peace. I’ve also instructed police to deal strictly with anti-social elements. Everyone should understand that we’ve to maintain brotherhood,” Gehlot told ANI.

Jodhpur district administration also suspended all mobile internet services in Jodhpur district from 1 am today, as a precautionary measure.

According to an order issued by Jodhpur Divisional Commissioner Himanshu Gupta, all internet services have been suspended in Jodhpur beginning from 1 am till further notice. (ANI)

Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla on Tuesday said that the COVID-19 vaccine Covovax is now available in India for children.

He also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of providing another vaccine for children.
Covovax (Novavax), is now available for children in India. This is the only vaccine manufactured in India that is also sold in Europe and has an efficacy of 90 per cent. This is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of providing yet another vaccine to protect our children,” he said in a tweet.

Last week, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) approved the Serum Institute of India’s Covovax COVID-19 vaccine for the age group 12-17.

However, the Drugs Controller General of India’s (DCGI) subject expert committee has sought more data from the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) on the Covovax vaccine for the age group of 7-12 years.

COVID-19 vaccination for minors in India started from January 3 onwards for those in the 15-18 age group with Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. The drive later expanded on March 16 to include children aged above 12 for Biological E’s Corbevax. (ANI)