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Andhra’s Plea Challenging NGT’s Avulapalli Reservoir Clearance to be Heard by SC

The Supreme Court has granted permission to the Andhra Pradesh government to present its case against the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) decision to dismiss the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted for the Avulapalli reservoir.

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Judgment Reserved by Supreme Court in Electoral Bonds Case
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court has granted permission to the Andhra Pradesh government to present its case against the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) decision to dismiss the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted for the Avulapalli reservoir. The plea, filed by the state government, will be listed for hearing on May 17. The government has also contested the imposition of a hefty Rs 100 crore penalty by the NGT, which is to be paid to the Krishna River Water Management Board (KRMB). The NGT’s ruling included directives to halt the project and form an expert committee to assess the environmental damage caused and determine compensation.

Details: The Andhra Pradesh government’s challenge against the NGT’s dismissal of the Environmental Clearance for the Avulapalli reservoir was presented before a bench consisting of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, Justices PS Narasimha, and JB Pardiwala on Monday. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented the state government in court. Rohatgi emphasized the significance of the case, citing the cancellation of the Environmental Clearance for a reservoir project worth Rs 3000 crore and urged the bench to consider the plea.

Recognizing the public nature of the project, CJI DY Chandrachud agreed to list the plea for hearing on Wednesday. The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case reflects its recognition of the importance of resolving disputes related to environmental clearances for public projects.

In addition to challenging the dismissal of the Environmental Clearance, the Andhra Pradesh government has contested the imposition of a penalty of Rs 100 crore on the State’s Water Resource Department/Project Proponent, to be paid to the Krishna River Water Management Board (KRMB). The NGT’s ruling also called for an immediate halt to the project due to allegations of non-compliance with mandatory environmental impact studies and public hearings.

To assess the environmental damage caused by the project and determine the appropriate compensation, the NGT ordered the formation of an expert committee. The committee comprises a senior scientist from the Integrated Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in Vijayawada, a senior engineer from the Central Pollution Control Board, and a senior engineer from KRMB. The NGT also recommended the formation of a panel of engineers from the Central Water Commission and KRMB, appointed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, to study the scheme sanctioned by the Andhra Pradesh government. Furthermore, an inquiry was ordered to investigate the matter.

Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s decision to list the Andhra Pradesh government’s plea challenging the NGT’s dismissal of the Avulapalli reservoir Environmental Clearance reflects the court’s recognition of the significance of the case. The court will now hear the plea, considering its public nature. The plea also challenges the penalty imposed on the State’s Water Resource Department/Project Proponent and calls for an assessment of environmental damage caused by the project. The NGT’s directives, including the formation of expert committees and inquiries, highlight the need to address concerns related to environmental impact and compliance with regulations in large-scale public projects.

India

Gangster-turned-Politician Mukhtar Ansari Dies of Cardiac Arrest

Jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari has passed away at the age of 63 due to a cardiac arrest.

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Gangster-turned-Politician Mukhtar Ansari Dies of Cardiac Arrest
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Jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari has passed away at the age of 63 due to a cardiac arrest. Ansari, a five-time former MLA from Mau in Uttar Pradesh, had been incarcerated in jails in both Uttar Pradesh and Punjab since 2005. His death comes amidst a flurry of controversy and speculation surrounding his health and treatment while in custody.

Ansari was rushed to the Rani Durgavati Medical College in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, by jail authorities after complaining of vomiting and being found unconscious. Despite efforts by a team of nine doctors, he succumbed to the cardiac arrest.

The news of his death prompted a significant security response, with a large team of police personnel deployed outside the hospital. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code were enforced across Uttar Pradesh following Ansari’s demise. Additionally, additional police personnel and Central Reserve Police Force teams were deployed in several districts as a precautionary measure.

This development comes in the wake of earlier hospitalizations of Ansari, which his brother, Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari, attributed to alleged poisoning. Afzal Ansari claimed that Mukhtar Ansari had been given a poisonous substance in his food while in jail, leading to deteriorating health. The prison department, however, refuted these claims, stating that Ansari’s health had deteriorated due to other reasons, including a fall in the washroom.

The circumstances surrounding Ansari’s death have reignited debates about prisoner rights, medical care in jails, and the treatment of high-profile inmates. The controversy surrounding his demise is likely to persist as investigations into the events leading up to his death unfold.

In conclusion, Mukhtar Ansari’s passing marks the end of a controversial and tumultuous chapter in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. However, it also raises pertinent questions about the treatment of prisoners and the adequacy of medical facilities in jails. As the investigation progresses, the true circumstances of Ansari’s demise may come to light, providing closure to his family and supporters while sparking broader discussions about prison reform in India.

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Karnataka

Maoist Activity in Sullia, Karnataka: ANF Conducts Operations

Learn about the heightened Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) activity in Koojimalai forest following recent sightings of suspected Maoists.

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Maoist Activity in Sullia, Karnataka: ANF Conducts Operations
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In response to escalating concerns over suspected Naxalite activity, the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) has intensified combing operations in the dense expanse of Koojimalai forest. Reports indicate a surge in sightings of individuals believed to be associated with Maoist groups, prompting ANF jawans to bolster their presence in the region.

On Thursday, yet another sighting of a suspected Naxalite was reported from a heavily wooded area within the forest. Eyewitness accounts from a worker in the rubber plantation suggest the presence of an unfamiliar woman in the vicinity, igniting efforts to locate her amidst the dense foliage.

The ANF has wasted no time in responding to these reports, deploying teams to conduct thorough searches across the Ainekidu and Koojimale estate areas. Sources within the ANF have hinted at the possibility of lingering Naxalite presence along the fringes of the Pushpagiri forest sanctuary, underscoring the importance of vigilance in this region.

Confirming the gravity of the situation, ANF sources have acknowledged receiving multiple complaints regarding the presence of unidentified individuals in the Sampaje-Koojimalai corridor. This surge in activity has prompted the ANF to fortify its operations, ensuring a proactive approach to combat any potential threats posed by Naxalite elements.

As the ANF remains steadfast in its mission to maintain peace and security in the region, residents of Koojimalai and surrounding areas can take solace in the concerted efforts being made to address the looming specter of Naxalism. With continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities, the menace of Naxalite insurgency can be effectively curtailed, safeguarding the tranquility of this pristine forest enclave.

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Bengaluru

NIA Arrests Key Conspirator in Bengaluru Cafe Blast Case

National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrests Muzammil Shareef, a key conspirator in the Bengaluru cafe blast case.

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NIA Arrests Key Conspirator in Bengaluru Cafe Blast Case
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made significant progress in the investigation into the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast at the Rameshwaram cafe in Bengaluru’s Brookfield. On March 1, Muzammil Shareef, identified as a key conspirator, was apprehended by NIA teams during crackdowns at 18 locations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

Muzammil Shareef’s arrest comes after NIA took over the case on March 3, following initial investigations by Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch (CCB). The blast, carried out by the main accused Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain, resulted in severe injuries to several customers and staff members, causing extensive damage to the property.

NIA’s investigations have unveiled Muzammil Shareef’s role in providing logistic support to the prime accused and another conspirator, Abdul Matheen Taha. While Hussain and Taha remain at large, NIA’s efforts continue to bring them to justice.

The blast, triggered by an IED, necessitated a swift and thorough investigation by NIA to ensure accountability and prevent further threats to public safety. With ongoing efforts and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, NIA remains committed to unraveling the complete network behind such acts of terrorism.

Stay tuned for more updates on NIA’s investigation into the Bengaluru cafe blast case as efforts intensify to bring all perpetrators to justice and safeguard our communities from such heinous acts.

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