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PIL Raises Over Exchange of Rs 2000 Notes Without Requisition Slip and Identity Proof

a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court on Monday, challenging the permission to exchange Rs 2000 banknotes without the requirement of a requisition slip and identity proof.

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PIL Raises Over Exchange of Rs 2000 Notes Without Requisition Slip and Identity Proof
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New Delhi: a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court on Monday, challenging the permission to exchange Rs 2000 banknotes without the requirement of a requisition slip and identity proof. The petitioner, lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, argued that the notifications issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the State Bank of India (SBI) in this regard are arbitrary, irrational, and infringe upon Articles 14 of the Constitution of India.

According to the plea, a significant amount of currency in the form of Rs 2000 banknotes has either found its way into individual lockers or been hoarded by various groups, including separatists, terrorists, Maoists, drug smugglers, mining mafias, and corrupt individuals. The petition emphasized that cash transactions involving high-value currency are the primary source of corruption and are often utilized for illicit activities such as terrorism, naxalism, separatism, radicalism, gambling, smuggling, money laundering, kidnapping, extortion, bribery, and dowry-related transactions. The petitioner urged the RBI and SBI to ensure that Rs 2000 banknotes are deposited only in respective bank accounts, thereby minimizing the risks associated with illegal activities.

The plea further highlighted the recent announcement by the central government, stating that every family should possess an Aadhaar card and a bank account. In light of this, the petitioner questioned the rationale behind permitting the exchange of Rs 2000 banknotes without obtaining proper identity proof. Additionally, the plea noted that approximately 80 crore (800 million) below poverty line (BPL) families receive free grains, indicating that they rarely use Rs 2000 banknotes. Therefore, the petitioner sought a directive to the RBI and SBI, urging them to take necessary measures to ensure that Rs 2000 banknotes are deposited exclusively in bank accounts.

The PIL argued that depositing Rs 2000 currency notes in bank accounts would facilitate the identification of individuals possessing black money and disproportionate assets. This measure could potentially assist in curbing corruption and enforcing financial transparency.

On May 19, the RBI had announced the withdrawal of Rs 2000 currency notes from circulation, specifying that existing notes could either be deposited in bank accounts or exchanged by September 30. The RBI clarified that the Rs 2000 banknotes would continue to be recognized as legal tender.

To facilitate convenience and prevent any disruption to regular banking activities, the RBI announced that starting from May 23, the exchange of Rs 2000 banknotes into other denominations would be permitted up to a limit of Rs 20,000 at a time in any bank.

In a communication to the chief general managers of its local head offices, the State Bank of India (SBI) confirmed that the public could exchange Rs 2000 notes up to a limit of Rs 20,000 at a time without the requirement of a requisition slip. The communication, dated May 20, also mentioned that no identity proof would be necessary during the exchange process.

The PIL raises important concerns regarding the exchange of Rs 2000 banknotes and emphasizes the need to address potential avenues for corruption and illegal activities. The outcome of the litigation will likely impact the regulations surrounding the exchange of high-value currency in India.

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Tamil Nadu to Host 1,000 Daily Fever Camps, Intensifies Mosquito Control

The Tamil Nadu health department has compiled lists for villages and cities, instructing districts to implement disease-prevention measures accordingly.

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Tamil Nadu to Host 1,000 Daily Fever Camps, Intensifies Mosquito Control
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In response to the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases, the government of Tamil Nadu has taken decisive measures to safeguard public health. Starting this Sunday, the state will establish 1,000 fever clinics daily to address this pressing concern.

To combat the mosquito menace, the government is intensifying its mosquito control initiatives. These efforts include increased fogging operations, the recruitment of additional workers for mosquito control tasks, and a heightened focus on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

In addition to these actions, the Tamil Nadu government is launching comprehensive awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases.

According to reports in The Hindu, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine in Tamil Nadu has issued guidelines specifying that fever clinics should be established in areas with either three or more cases of fever with cough or confirmed positive cases of diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, and seasonal flu. Furthermore, the government has initiated door-to-door campaigns to identify and isolate such cases.

The Tamil Nadu health department has undertaken meticulous planning, compiling lists of affected villages and cities to facilitate targeted disease prevention efforts. Officials have affirmed their dedication to eradicating mosquitoes, raising awareness, identifying fever cases, and promptly implementing preventive measures where needed.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian disclosed that over 23,000 temporary workers have been enlisted across the state to support mosquito control operations. Moreover, government hospitals have been directed to maintain ample supplies of life-saving drugs, blood test kits, blood components, and the necessary blood reserves for treating various diseases.

The government’s current focus revolves around combating diseases like dengue, diarrhea, typhoid, and fever. In the state capital of Chennai, Minister Subramanian revealed that a formidable workforce comprising 318 medical officers, 635 nurses, 954 permanent mosquito control workers, and 2,324 contract workers is diligently working to contain these diseases and curtail the spread of mosquitoes.

The minister also detailed the impressive inventory of equipment available in Chennai, including 424 sprayers, 120 power sprayers, 300 battery-operated sprayers, 324 hand fumigation machines, one small fumigation machine, and 68 vehicle-mounted fumigation machines, all geared towards combatting the mosquito population. These comprehensive efforts reflect the Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens in the face of mosquito-borne diseases.

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Jaipur Communal Tensions Following Biker’s Tragic Death

Biker fatally beaten in confrontation after motorcycle accident, succumbing to injuries.

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Jaipur Communal Tensions Following Biker's Tragic Death
Photo: S Grab | X-Twitter:@thefirstindia

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Communal tensions flared up in the Ramganj area and its vicinity in Jaipur, Rajasthan on Saturday, stemming from a tragic incident involving a motorcycle collision that led to a man’s demise.

According to the police, the unfortunate incident occurred at the Subhash Chowk locality in Jaipur. It was reported that after a collision between two motorcycles, a group of men allegedly assaulted one of the riders, resulting in his untimely death.

Late on Friday night, the collision transpired within the Subhash Chowk area, whereupon a group of men accompanying one of the motorcycle riders reportedly subjected the other rider, identified as Iqbal, to a brutal assault. Iqbal sustained severe injuries and was promptly rushed to the SMS Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.

In the aftermath of this distressing incident, numerous shops in the predominantly Muslim-populated areas have been shuttered. Family members of the deceased, along with local residents, have congregated and are now demanding justice and punitive action against those responsible for the attack, as reported by PTI.

To quell the escalating tensions, additional police forces have been deployed in the region, and concerted efforts are underway to defuse the volatile situation, according to statements from the police to PTI.

A purported video of the incident has surfaced on social media platforms, although its authenticity cannot be independently verified at this time.

In a significant development, six individuals have been apprehended in connection with the case. Additionally, authorities have announced compensatory measures for the family of the deceased, as reported by India Today. The publication quoted the Jaipur Administration as stating, “A compensation of Rs 50 lakh, along with employment opportunities and a dairy booth, has been announced for Iqbal’s family. According to police sources, six individuals have been detained in connection with the case.”

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Father of Ujjain Rape Suspect Calls for Son’s Execution

People who didn’t aid the raped, injured, and naked 12-year-old girl may face child sex abuse law charges, A senior officer of the state police said.

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Father of Ujjain Rape Suspect Calls for Son's Execution
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Ujjain: The father of the man arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Ujjain on Friday has called for his son to receive the death penalty. Meanwhile, the local bar association has appealed to lawyers not to defend the accused in court. The victim, a 12-year-old girl, was discovered walking on the city streets in a wounded condition, desperately seeking assistance from passersby who unfortunately turned her away.

The injured girl is currently receiving treatment at the Government Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar Women’s Hospital in Indore, where she underwent a major surgical procedure on Wednesday. A senior state police official has indicated that individuals who failed to assist the young girl when she went from door to door seeking help after the assault, which left her naked and bleeding, could potentially face charges under child sexual abuse laws. Such individuals may be charged under the POCSO Act for failing to report or register the commission of a crime, according to an NDTV report.

Bharat Soni, an auto-rickshaw driver, was taken into custody in connection with the case on Thursday. His father expressed his deep shame over the incident, stating, “It is a disgraceful act. I have not visited the hospital to see him, nor will I go to the police station or court. My son has committed a crime, and he should face the ultimate punishment, which is hanging,” as he conveyed his sentiments to reporters. It should be noted that Soni sustained injuries while allegedly attempting to flee during the investigation, according to the police’s statement on Thursday.

The Congress party has criticized the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, where assembly elections are scheduled by year-end. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate alleged that the state’s law-and-order situation had significantly deteriorated under the leadership of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

“In Madhya Pradesh, being a Dalit, tribal, or woman has seemingly become a crime. The state ranks highest in cases of minor rape. During Chouhan’s 18-year tenure, there have been 58,000 reported rape cases and 68,000 reported kidnapping cases. Yet, the country’s prime minister, home minister, and all BJP leaders remain conspicuously silent,” Shrinate conveyed to reporters in Delhi.

The distressing incident, captured by a CCTV camera, depicts the 12-year-old girl, partially undressed and bleeding following the assault, desperately seeking assistance from neighbors who callously refused her aid. Furthermore, in a shocking display of heartlessness, one individual can be seen shooing her away as she approaches him for help.

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